The Oxford English Dictionary references Daffodil to Affodil, i.e. asphodel, with the addition of the D as unknown. Brian Whyer, zone 8'ish, Buckinghamshire, England Where cold weather in February and March has held some species narcissus flowers in suspended animation for 7 weeks or more. > I did find a reference to the legend of Persephone, where she is said to > have picked Daffodils in one of the valleys near the gates of Hades, but I > found no concrete ground for the interpretation and question it's > authenticity. Surely, the passage exists, but it refers to Affodilus > (asphodelus), which could be connected....or not! It seems strange that, in > one Myth, Narcissus are the daffodils sprung from the self-enamoured > boy-hunter, while Persephones blossoms are Affodilus, which may refer to > Jacob's Rod (Asphodeline lutea). There is a reference, as in soooo many > floral legends, that the flower now hangs its head in shame! Hmmm. > Affodil? Could be.