JONQUIL flowers.

 The species narcissus jonquilla can be seen growing wild throughout southern portions of the United States. They grow in large, mostly yellow clusters that are frequently surrounded by distinctive, thin, rounded foliage which is a dark blue-green in hue. These fragrant blooms can grow in abundance, and are known to survive in nearly any landscape; however, they blossom their best in well drained, slightly acidic soils, with either full sunlight or partial shade.

 The jonquil flower is thought to be one of the most abundantly grown plants in Texas. These blossoms first found their way to the United States by way of European colonists, and were then spread throughout the south by early settlers. Since this bloom is a perennial – becoming dormant during the late summer months, then sprouting again in early spring – it naturally became a consistent part of the back drop of early American life, and has since become something of an “heirloom” plant. Given that the jonquil flower has developed quite a bit of cultural significance in the United States, it is not surprising that they have found their way into a number of festivities. One such example of this is the Annual Jonquil Festival at the Historic Washington State Park, in Washington, Arkansas.

 This three-day event is supposed to be a yearly welcoming of spring, and includes a spectacular viewing of thousands of jonquil flowers, along with crafts, entertainment and vendors to help celebrate the occasion. The city of Smyrna in Georgia holds a similar festival in the fall; however, since the plants themselves are not available for viewing during this particular season, the Keep Smyrna Beautiful organization hands out bulbs that can be planted around the city.

Being that the jonquil flower is considered the March birth blossom, many of these plants are given as birthday presents. However, they are also said to represent desire, return of affection and sympathy. Because of this, they are often given as gifts to tell the recipient that they are loved in return, or that they are wanted. They are also given during or after traumatic events – namely to show that the giver cares, but also to help brighten the recipient’s day.