Narcissus Tazetta

Narcissus Tazetta or Trumpet daffodils are flowers that are known to grow most commonly in Europe. To be even more specific, this type of flower is usually found in France, and it is grown commercially for its essential oils, mostly in the southern part of France. This flower has a nice scent, which might be part of the reason they are so sought out. Although this flower is native to the Mediterranean region, you can find it far away from its native roots in countries like China, New Zealand, South America, and in a few states here in the United States. This explains why I was able to find them in California, but they also grow in our nearby state of Oregon.

Double Daffodil

Double Daffodil Cultivars are the type of daffodil that has more than one ruffled row of petals in the center of the flower. These beautiful flowers have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in Middle Eastern countries before they were introduced to Europe in the 16th century. They were even mentioned as far back as 2,500 years ago in a passage from the bible. The daffodils were mentioned as being used for what might have been a disease we know today as cancer. It was used for many other physical complaints back in 460 B.C. - 370 A.D. and it is continued to be used today for medicinal purposes.

Brassica Rapa

Brassica Rapa is a variation of the mustard flower. Yes, the same flower that is used to make mustard. The same mustard that we use in our sandwiches to give flavor. These flowers grow wildly along the sides of water banks, or on the outside of fields. They are actually common all around Northern California and other places. Although they are gorgeous and bright in color, there are many uses for them. They are used for far more than mustard sauce. It may come as a surprise to you, as it did to me, that this beautiful yellow flower is used to make canola oil. It was first discovered in Canada, which is the reason of the name. The prefix can in canola is meant to say Canada, and the ola for oil. Brassica Rapa oil is extracted from the seeds when heated and crushed. This flower has become commercialized and it is grown for the extraction of their oil to sell as an alternative to other cooking oils.