Daisy, Lawn Daisy, English Daisy
Bellis perennis
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A perennial herb. It only lives for a short time. They can be grown as annuals. It grows 5-20 cm high and wide. The leaves are in rosettes or rings. They are rounded at the ends and taper into the stalk. The flower stem is short and the flower heads have yellow centres surrounded by white ray florets. These can be pink or red. The flowers are 2.5-5 cm across.
There are about 7-15 Bellis species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It grows in open spaces and grassland. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It will grow in average soils but they need to be well drained. Soils rich in organic matter are good. It needs a temperature of 10-13°C for germination. It suits hardiness zones 4-10. In the tropics it grows at higher altitudes. It can grow in arid places. Tasmania Herbarium. In Sichuan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Alaskia, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Azores, Balkans, Belgium, Bosnia, Britain (country/location of origin), Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, Chile, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Europe, Falklands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hawaii, Hungary, Iceland, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Korea, Kurdistan, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Norway, Pacific, Poland, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Sicily, Slovakia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Yugoslavia
How it is used for food
Tender young leaves can be tossed in salads. They are also used as a potherb. They are also used in vegetable soups. The flowers are added to salads. They are also used for herbal tea. The flower buds are used in sandwiches, soups and salads. The flower buds are preserved in vinegar and used as a caper substitute.
It is foraged and supplied to restaurants in Sweden.
Edible parts
Flowers, leaves, flowers - tea
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. Seedlings can be transplanted. Plants re-seed. Plants can also be grown by division.
Its other names
Local names
Beyazpapatya, Erva di primu xiuri, Jancuzzu, Koyungozu, Madeliefje, Margarita, Margheritina, Mindris gvirila, Mya-ta-pwint, Navadna marjetica, Papatya, Parice, Parichka, Prstenjak, Sedmikraska obecna, Tusenfryd