Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
ABOUT
The plant known as the oxeye daisy is easily recognizable by its distinctive flowers and foliage. The flowers are perhaps the most eye-catching aspect, featuring white petals arranged in a radial pattern around a bright yellow center disk. These petals are typically long and slightly overlapping, creating a round or oval-shaped flower head that resembles the daisies found in many gardens and wildflower arrangements. The leaves of the oxeye daisy are dark green, with the lower leaves having a spoon-shaped look, while the ones closer to the flower tend to be more narrow and may have toothed edges. These leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, which is erect and branched, giving the plant a bushy appearance. The foliage provides an attractive backdrop to the flowers, which stand out prominently when in bloom. Overall, the oxeye daisy is a charming plant, with its classic daisy-like flowers that exude a sense of simplicity and bucolic beauty. It's widespread in meadows, gardens, and a variety of grassy settings, where its blooms contribute to the idyllic countryside aesthetic.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Ox-eye Daisy, Common Daisy, Dog Daisy, Moon Daisy, Marguerite, White Daisy
Common names
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Chrysanthemum leucanthemum var. pinnatifidum, Leucanthemum praecox, Tanacetum leucanthemum, Chrysanthemum praecox, Leucanthemum vulgare var. pinnatifidum, Pyrethrum leucanthemum, Matricaria leucanthemum
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Leucanthemum vulgare is oxeye daisy. Oxeye daisy is not known to be toxic to humans. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions due to its pollen or from contacting its sap, potentially causing dermatitis. Ingesting parts of the plant is not commonly associated with poisoning in humans.
To pets
Oxeye daisy is also not considered highly toxic to pets. However, if ingested in large quantities, it can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in some animals. It's always recommended to monitor your pets and prevent them from eating large amounts of any non-food plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Supports biodiversity: Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as Oxeye Daisy, provides a habitat and food source for various insects, including bees and butterflies, thus promoting a diverse ecosystem.
- Low maintenance: Oxeye Daisies are hardy and can thrive in a range of conditions, requiring minimal care once established, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardens and landscapes.
- Soil erosion control: The plant's extensive root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes or in areas prone to degradation.
- Aesthetic value: With its bright white petals and cheerful yellow centers, it adds beauty to gardens, wildflower meadows, and natural landscapes.
- Wildlife food source: The seeds of Oxeye Daisy provide food for birds and other wildlife, while the flowers attract pollinators.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Leucanthemum vulgare has been traditionally used for its potential to reduce inflammation.
- Antispasmodic: The plant may have properties that relieve spasms in the muscles.
- Astringent: It is sometimes used for its astringent properties to help tightens and tone the skin or tissues.
- Diuretic: The plant has been used to promote the production of urine to aid in the removal of excess water from the body.
- Emmenagogue: Historically, it has been used to stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus, causing menstruation.
- Tonic: It is believed to have tonic properties that could help in strengthening and invigorating the body.
- Vulnerary: Leucanthemum vulgare has been used for the treatment of wounds, due to its potential properties that help in wound healing.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as oxeye daisy, can serve as a natural lawn ornament with its bright, eye-catching flowers, requiring less maintenance than traditional garden flowers.
- Insectary plantings of oxeye daisy can attract and support beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs, and hoverflies that help control garden pests or pollinate other plants.
- Dried flower heads of the oxeye daisy are often used in floral arrangements and potpourris to bring a rustic charm to home decor.
- These plants can be used as a living mulch in orchards or vineyards, where they cover the ground and suppress weeds without competing heavily with the trees.
- Oxeye daisies are occasionally used in environmental education programs, to help teach plant identification and the role of native flora in local ecosystems.
- The oxeye daisy can be an indicator species for soil health and nutrient levels, as it thrives in certain conditions, pointing to the quality of the agricultural land.
- It can function as a companion plant in gardens due to its ability to lure pests away from more valuable crops.
- When planted strategically, the oxeye daisy can help reduce soil erosion, thanks to its extensive root system that holds the soil in place.
- The oxeye daisy has been employed in art projects and nature crafts, such as making natural dyes or flower pressing for botanical illustrations.
- As a part of ecological landscaping, oxeye daisy is used to recreate prairie or meadow environments and to support native biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiOxeye Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityOxeye Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: The pure white petals of the Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as the oxeye daisy, have long been associated with innocence and childhood.
- Patience: This plant blooms throughout the summer, symbolizing the virtue of patience and the rewards of waiting for the right time.
- Loyal Love: Given their tendency to return each year, oxeye daisies represent loyal love and unyielding affection between people.
- New Beginnings: Often found in bouquets for brides and at weddings, oxeye daisies symbolize new beginnings and fresh starts.
- Simplicity: The simple and unpretentious beauty of the oxeye daisy is reminiscent of a simpler way of life, often evoking a sentiment of simplicity and unadorned elegance.
- Purity: The oxeye daisy is also a symbol of purity due to its clean white petals that stand out in green fields.
- True Love: Beyond loyal love, they can also signify true love, with their straightforward and unassuming appearance symbolizing a no-frills, genuine connection.
WaterThe Oxeye Daisy requires moderate watering. During the growing season, it should be watered thoroughly once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Each watering session should consist of about 1 inch of water. In hotter, drier periods, watering frequency should increase to twice a week. It’s important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure the plant receives roughly 1 gallon per square foot over a month during the active growing season.
LightOxeye Daisy thrives in full sunlight. It prefers a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. However, in extremely hot climates, it can benefit from light afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat.
TemperatureOxeye Daisies prefer temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F during the day and slightly cooler at night but can tolerate a wider range, from just above freezing up to 90°F. The ideal temperature conditions for the plant aim for mild days and cool nights, reflecting its preference for temperate climates.
PruningPruning Oxeye Daisy helps to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to prolong flowering. Cut back the foliage to ground level in late fall or early winter after the plant has finished blooming and the leaves have died back. Pruning is also an opportunity to divide and propagate if the clumps have become too large.
CleaningAs needed
SoilOxeye Daisy thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A balanced mix with compost and loamy soil works best, as it provides essential nutrients and good drainage, essential for preventing root rot. Ensure to amend the soil with organic matter to maintain fertility.
RepottingOxeye Daisies typically do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. It’s best to repot or divide these perennials every 3 to 4 years to rejuvenate their growth and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingOxeye Daisy prefers moderate humidity levels, similar to those found outdoors, and thus doesn't require any special humidity adjustments when grown in its natural environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, moderate water, and stable temps.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, divide every 2-3 years.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleLeucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as the oxeye daisy, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in favorable conditions of light, temperature, and moisture, usually in the spring. It progresses to a seedling stage, growing two initial leaves and developing true leaves as it matures. The vegetative stage follows, where the plant forms a basal rosette of leaves and establishes a strong root system. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to summer, it develops a tall stem with a solitary flower head at the top, characterized by white petal-like ray florets surrounding a yellow disc floret center. After pollination, typically by insects, the plant sets seed, where the flower head turns into a cluster of small, dry fruits (achenes) which are then dispersed by wind, animals, or other means. The plant is a perennial, so it may go dormant in winter and regrow from the same root system in successive years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The common name for Leucanthemum vulgare is the oxeye daisy, and it is most commonly propagated through seed sowing. Late winter to early spring is the best time frame to start the seeds indoors, approximately 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. The seeds require light for germination, so they should be sown on the surface of a well-drained soil mix and not covered, or covered only lightly with a sprinkling of soil. It's essential to maintain moisture and provide a steady temperature around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6-21.1 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have grown strong enough and the risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors to a sunny location with well-drained soil. The seed method is popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness in producing a large number of plants.
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