3 comments for “Why do daffodils nod?”

  1. It depends on the daffodil, the division, and if the stem is strong enough
    to hold the head up.

    Clay

  2. Josh:

    There is a very good reason, biologically for this. It is to protect the pollen from water, either rain or dew. If pollen gets wet it dies and is no longer able to fertilize the egg cells in the ovary. That is also the reason many daffodil species contain the anthers inside the tube that supports the flowers.

    Species that flower in the early autumn before the rains come do have erect flowers. Two examples are N. cavanillesii and N. miniatus. In the case of the former whiuch has a very reduced tube so the stamens are exposed the flowers will close every evening to protect the pollen from dew. This is also the reason other flowers sleep at night.

    Hybridizers have spent many years trying to breed flowers that “look one in the face” instead of down at the ground. So most modern daffodils hold their flowers in a very unnatural position.  Those that look down are doing what nature has designed them to do.

    The idea of “weak necks” was based on modern flowers being too large and heavy for their stems, but that is only part of the story. Many hang down because they are expressing their ancestral genes.

    Hope this helps.

    \Harold

  3. Harold,
    I revised this item with the intent to expand on my response which I felt
    was not satisfactory. After reading your response I felt the question is
    rightfully responded to.

    thanks Harold,

    clay

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