Eastern Forest Threat Center - Oxeye Daisy

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Oxeye daisy flowers

Oxeye daisy flowers

Ohio State University Weed Lab Archive, Bugwood.org

Oxeye Daisy
Leucanthemum vulgare

Oxeye daisy, native to Europe, has escaped cultivation. It is also a host for several viral diseases affecting crops, including the yellow dwarf virus of potatoes.

Keywords: Asteraceae, herbaceous, perennial, numerous stems, white ray florets, yellow disc, unbranched roots, rhizomes; Common names: margarite, white daisy

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

Oxeye daisy is an herbaceous perennial with numerous stems from 1-3 ft. tall. Stems are slender, erect, and may emerge from the root crown or singly from an upturned rhizome. Stalked basal leaves are spoon-shaped and broadly toothed. Stem leaves are alternate, smooth, glossy, and dark green. The leaf stalks are short and clasp the stem. Solitary flower heads are composed of 15-30 white ray florets surrounding a compact yellow disc with a depressed center. Flowers occur singly at the ends of stems and bloom from June to August. The fruit is a flat seed 0.08 in. long, 10-ribbed, and dark gray at maturity with no pappus. A typical plant produces over 500 seeds that spread by wind or animals and remain viable in the seed bank for 2-3 years. The root system is comprised of shallow, unbranched roots and rhizomes. Oxeye daisy is adapted to coarse and medium textured soil and is common in native grasslands, pastures, fields, disturbed areas, waste areas, open woods, meadows, and roadsides. It can form dense colonies, decrease overall vascular plant diversity, and modify existing communities. Heavy infestations create an increase in the potential for soil erosion.