Daffodils

Sunset calls the daffodil -- properly Narcissus -- the "most valuable spring-flowering bulb for most regions of the West". They are permanent (unlike, say, many tulips, which must be replanted every year in this temperate climate), they increase from year to year, are hardy in cold and heat, tolerate sunny to partly-shady situations and a variety of locations, they naturalize beautifully, and need little water with average autumn rains.  They also grow well in containers.

Daffodils bloom in late winter and early spring.

Daffodils come in eleven recognized forms, depending on trumpet shape and size, segments (petals), number of blooms per stem, and so on.  Colors are usually yellow and/or white, but newer varieties come in variations of red, orange, pink, and cream.  The blooms pictured are trumpet daffodils, where the trumpet is as long or longer than the surrounding flower segments -- they are possibly the classic variety "Dutch Master" or "King Alfred".

Daffodils are tempting to slugs and snails, especially during the flowering season, but are resistant to gophers and deer.

Apparently daffodils usually face the sun.  These particular blooms seem a little confused, but still are growing quite happily in a dappled-sun parking strip in the Golden Hills area.