Mountain Daisy Celmisia bellidioides
ABOUT
Celmisia bellidioides, commonly known as mountain daisy, is a visually appealing alpine plant. This species is recognized for its neat rosettes of narrow, dark green leaves that are often tightly compacted. Each leaf exhibits a textured surface, contributing to the plant's overall attractiveness. The mountain daisy produces charming, daisy-like flowers proudly borne on slender stems. The flowers typically have white petals that encircle a bright yellow central disc, which is a common characteristic of daisy flowers. With their fresh and crisp appearance, these blooms stand out beautifully against the dark foliage. The flowering display tends to be an eye-catching aspect of this plant during its blooming season. Overall, the mountain daisy's appearance, with its combination of delicate flowers and dense foliage, makes it a favored choice for gardens seeking an alpine or rock garden aesthetic.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mountain Daisy
Common names
Celmisia bellidioides.
ToxicityTo humans
Celmisia bellidioides, more commonly known as mountain daisy, is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to humans. There is limited information available on the toxicity of mountain daisy to humans, and it is generally not listed among plants that have toxic effects when ingested. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting any plant unless it's known to be safe for consumption. If mountain daisy were toxic, symptoms would typically include gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, though information about specific symptoms related to this plant is not well-documented.
To pets
Mountain daisy is not commonly known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There is a lack of information suggesting that Celmisia bellidioides poses any significant risk when ingested by pets. However, as with humans, caution should still be taken as plant toxicity can vary between species and individual animals. If a pet were to experience toxicity from ingesting mountain daisy, symptoms could potentially include gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always recommended to keep an eye on your pets around plants and consult a veterinarian if you suspect they've ingested something potentially harmful.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Role: Celmisia bellidioides, commonly known as Mountain Daisy, plays a role in its native alpine and subalpine ecosystems by providing food and habitat for various insects and small animals.
- Aesthetic Value: With its attractive white daisy-like flowers and evergreen foliage, Mountain Daisy adds visual interest to gardens and natural landscapes.
- Biodiversity Support: Being a native species, it contributes to biodiversity by supporting local flora and fauna, thus maintaining ecological balance.
- Soil Stabilization: Mountain Daisy can help in stabilizing soil in rocky or sloped terrains, which helps in preventing soil erosion.
- Low Maintenance: Adapted to harsh conditions, it typically requires little care once established, making it a good choice for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Drought Resistance: Due to its native habitat's conditions, Mountain Daisy is generally drought-resistant, which is valuable in xeriscaping and water-conservation efforts.
- Educational Interest: It can be used in educational settings to teach about alpine plant life and adaptation strategies to cold environments.
- Climate Resilience: Mountain Daisy is adapted to withstand temperature extremes, which may become increasingly useful in the context of climate change.
- Cultural Significance: In its native regions, it may hold cultural significance and be featured in indigenous knowledge and local traditions.
- Pollinator Friendly: Although not a major attractant, it can still provide nectar and pollen for native pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Celmisia bellidioides, commonly known as Mountain Daisy, has been utilized in traditional Maori textile art, where the plant's distinctive form inspires patterns and motifs.
- In eco-tourism, Mountain Daisy serves as an indicator species for environments with high ecological integrity in alpine and subalpine New Zealand, attracting nature enthusiasts and photographers.
- Conservation education programs use Mountain Daisy as an example to teach about the unique flora of New Zealand and the importance of preserving native species.
- Mountain Daisy can play a role in stabilizing soil in high-altitude gardens and restoration projects due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in tough conditions.
- Occasionally, the plant is used in floral arrangements, particularly for winter-themed displays, thanks to its resilience and long-lasting qualities.
- Gardeners may use Mountain Daisy as a natural marker for the changing of the seasons, as its blooming period indicates the onset of warmer weather in alpine regions.
- Native plant enthusiasts cultivate Mountain Daisy to maintain biodiversity and support local wildlife, particularly pollinating insects native to New Zealand.
- The plant is sometimes a subject in botanical art and illustration, where its unique appearance is appreciated for educational and aesthetic purposes.
- Mountain Daisy acts as a companion plant in gardens to create microclimates that can protect more sensitive plants from the harsh conditions found at high altitudes.
- Educational programs related to climate change use the Mountain Daisy to study and demonstrate the effects of temperature and weather pattern shifts on alpine plant species.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Celmisia bellidioides, commonly known as Mountain Daisy, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mountain Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Celmisia bellidioides, commonly known as "Mountain Daisy," is known to survive in harsh alpine climates, symbolizing the ability to thrive despite challenging conditions.
- Purity: The Mountain Daisy's crisp white petals are often associated with purity and innocence.
- Simplicity: Its simple yet striking appearance can represent a love for the simple things in life or simplicity itself.
- Adaptation: As a plant that thrives at high altitudes, the Mountain Daisy symbolizes adaptability and the capacity to adjust to any environment.
WaterMountain daisy should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become slightly dry between waterings. For best results, provide the plant with about one inch of water per week. During the growing season, this might mean watering once every few days, but always check the soil moisture first. The amount of water needed can vary depending on climate and weather conditions, so adjust accordingly. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage is in place.
LightMountain daisy thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is one where the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, with some protection from intense afternoon sun. A spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is often perfect for this plant.
TemperatureMountain daisy prefers cooler climates and is hardy in a range of temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but it performs best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Sudden temperature drops or prolonged exposure to frost should be avoided.
PruningMountain daisy benefits from occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain a compact growth habit. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps to rejuvenate the plant and encourages more robust growth. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, can also be done throughout the flowering season to promote further blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain daisy thrives in a well-draining, gritty soil mix with added compost and sand, which mimics its native alpine conditions. The soil pH should range from slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingMountain daisies do not need frequent repotting; it's typically done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingThe mountain daisy prefers moderate to high humidity levels, which helps replicate its natural alpine environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mountain daisy near a bright window and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil for mountain daisy.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCelmisia bellidioides, also known as Mountain Daisy, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in well-drained, rocky alpine soils, typically after the cold stratification period provided by winter conditions. The seeds develop into small rosettes of leaves, staying close to the ground to resist harsh alpine winds and cold. As the plant matures, it forms a larger, denser rosette of spoon-shaped, silvery-green leaves, which can endure for several years as a perennial. Once the Mountain Daisy reaches maturity, it produces solitary flower heads atop tall stalks during the summer, which are daisy-like, consisting of white ray florets surrounding a yellow disc. After pollination, possibly aided by alpine insects, the flowers produce seeds that are dispersed by wind. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the winter, with snow cover providing insulation until the next growth cycle begins in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The most popular method of propagating Celmisia bellidioides, commonly known as Mountain Daisy, is through seed sowing. Seeds can be collected from the mature plants after the blooming period, which typically occurs in summer. To propagate, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, preferably during the fall. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep them moist but not waterlogged. It's critical to provide the seeds with a cold period, or stratification, which mimics natural winter-like conditions and stimulates germination. Once the seeds have undergone this process and temperatures rise in spring, germination should occur if the conditions are favorable. Seedlings should be grown on in cooler conditions until they are large enough to handle and then can be transplanted to their final growing position.
