Daisy, Lawndaisy, English Daisy
Bellis perennis
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Pink, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late spring. Form: Rounded.
Bellis perennis is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower all year, and the seeds ripen from May to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
A common plant of meadows, lawns and other grassy areas, it is very frequently found growing in lawns.
Most of Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - raw or cooked. The flavour is somewhat acrid. A pleasant sour flavour according to another report whilst a third says that they are mild and agreeable and are used in salads. The daisy is occasionally used as a potherb. Flower buds and petals - raw. Eaten in sandwiches, soups and salads.
Medicine
Rating: 3
Daisies are a popular domestic remedy with a wide range of applications. They are a traditional wound herb and are also said to be especially useful in treating delicate and listless children. Recent research (1994) has been looking at the possibility of using the plant in HIV therapy. The herb is mildly anodyne, antispasmodic, antitussive, demulcent, digestive, emollient, expectorant, laxative, ophthalmic, purgative and tonic. The fresh or dried flowering heads are normally used. An infusion is used in the treatment of catarrh, rheumatism, arthritis, liver and kidney disorders, as a blood purifier etc. The daisy once had a great reputation as a cure for fresh wounds. An ointment made from the leaves is applied externally to wounds, bruises etc whilst a distilled water is used internally to treat inflammatory disorders of the liver. Chewing the fresh leaves is said to be a cure for mouth ulcers. Daisies also have a reputation for effectiveness in treating breast cancers. The flowers and leaves are normally used fresh in decoctions, ointments and poultices. A strong decoction of the roots has been recommended for the treatment of scorbutic complaints and eczema, though it needs to be taken for some time before its effect becomes obvious. A mild decoction may ease complaints of the respiratory tract, rheumatic pains and painful or heavy menstruation. The plant, harvested when in flower, is used as a homeopathic remedy. Its use is especially indicated in the treatment of bruising etc.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Antidiarrhoeal: Provides symptomatic relief for diarrhoea. Also see Astringent.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Digestive: Aids digestion.
Eczema: Used in the treatment of eczema - a chronic health condition that affects the skin, causing redness, dryness, itching and infections.
Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating: 1
An insect repellent spray can be made from an infusion of the leaves. Daisies have traditionally been used for making daisy chains in children's games.
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Border, Container, Ground cover, Rock garden. Succeeds in most well-drained soils in sun or semi-shade. The daisy is commonly found growing in many lawns, some varieties have been developed for the flower garden. It is a good plant for the spring meadow. The plants have a very long flowering season, they will even produce a few flowers in the middle of mild winters. Special Features: Edible, Not North American native, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for dried flowers. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 8 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread. The root pattern is fibrous dividing into a large number of fine roots. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length.
Propagating it: Seed - sow as soon as the seed is ripe in June. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late summer. Division after flowering. Very easy, it can be done at almost any time of the year, though spring and early summer are best. The divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Lawn; Meadow;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant can be weedy or invasive. Though invasive, the species is still considered a valuable ground cover in certain garden settings (e.g., as part of English or cottage inspired gardens, as well as spring meadows where low growth and some color is desired in parallel with minimal care and maintenance while helping to crowd out noxious weeds once established and naturalised.
Its other names
Local names
Common daisy, lawn daisy, English daisy, bruisewort, woundwort.