Oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Table of Contents
The largest of the native daisies in the UK and a summer flowering perennial wildflower that thrives in grassland, such as meadows and roadside verges. Oxeye daisy is an important plant for pollinators and a big favourite with bees, butterflies and hoverflies.
Plant family: Asteraceae
Aliases: Dog daisy, moon daisy, moonpenny
Flowering period: May – September
Flower colour: White – yellow
Preferred soil type: Moist, well drained
Habitat: Grassland, open woodland, verges
Status: Common
General information
A perennial herb growing up to a meter in height and a welcome addition to any wildflower meadow. They thrive in grassy areas, such as meadows, roadside verges, open woodland, but can also be found on waste ground, coastal cliffs and sand dunes.
The large, bright flowers bloom during May – September and appear to glow during the evening hence, the alternative names of moon daisy and moon penny. Oxeye daisies are one of the most important plants for pollinators.
Oxeye daisies prefer low fertility, moist, free draining sites, but will do well on most types of soil, especially where they are exposed to full sunlight. Individual oxeye daisy plants can have a short lifespan, but are capable of spreading rapidly by seed or rhizomes (underground runners), especially if soil is bare and has been disturbed.
Identification
Flower: A typical daisy like flower only much larger than the common daisy. Flowers can be either solitary or several grouped together, 30mm – 40mm in diameter, yellow central disc florets, surrounded by many (20 – 30) white ray florets with notched tips. Flowering period is between May and September, depending on the climate and location.
Leaves: The upper leaves are long, dark green, spoon-shaped with scalloped margins, up to 75mm long. The basal and lower leaves are somewhat longer , between 50mm and 150mm in length.
Value for wildlife
The attractive flowers attract many types of pollinators, including bees, butterflies and hoverflies
Uses for oxeye daisy
The leaves and flowers are both edible. The young leaves can be eaten raw and added to salads or boiled as a pot herb, they have a peppery, lemon taste. Oxeye daisy flowers and leaves can be used in smoothies.
The flowers have medicinal properties and have been used to treat asthma, to steady peoples nerves and eye treatments such as conjunctivitis. The leaves and roots have been used to treat coughs and colds.
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