OX-EYE DAISY
From May and all through the months of summer, drifts of this edible perennial wildflower – much loved by pollinators – bring cheer to meadows, verges and woodlands across the country
The largest native member of the daisy family, the ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) – a traditional countryside stalwart – populates roadside verges, meadows and waste ground. With its tall stems of bright white, sun-centred daisy-like flowers (each flowerhead being several times the size of our common lawn-loving Bellis perennis), the ox-eye daisy is well designed to catch the attention of both pollinators and humans, and indeed the light of sun and moon.
Shy and retiring it is not. A ubiquitous member of the wildflower meadow and naturalistic garden brigade, this cheerful flower holds its own in beds and borders of more traditionally ‘ornamental’ herbaceous perennials. It’s still a joy to see drifts of it in the countryside, where it often colonises open ground or pops up at the side of woodlands, fields, or even building sites from mid to late summer.
How to spot it
Stemming from basal rosettes of dark green, spoon-shaped leaves, the 3–5cm flowerheads rise tall above, creating clouds of white, raypetalled flowers that nod and sway in the summer breeze from May through to September. At the centre of each solitary flower are numerous tiny, yellow, nectar-filled true flowers providing a reliable feast for bees, butterflies, moths, beetles and hoverflies. Thin, jagged leaves punctuate the stems providing further landing spots for insects such as ladybirds.
Also known as dog daisy, field daisy, moon daisy and Marguerite, the ox-eye’s genus name Leucanthemum originates from the ancient
Greek word ‘leucos’ meaning white, and ‘anthemon’ meaning flower, with the specific epithet of ‘vulgare’ alluding to its commonality.
Grow, pick and use
Ox-eye’s widespread occurrence has lent this edible plant to a range of traditional uses. The young buds and leaves (older ones are too bitter) can be eaten or used as a garnish or made into a soothing tea. Its crushed foliage can be placed on bruises, explaining its alternative name: bruisewort. It has also been used to treat coughs, colds, chills, tuberculosis and sore eyes, and was dedicated to Artemis, Greek goddess of the moon, due to its associations with the healing of women’s health issues. However, consuming too much ox-eye daisy can lead to sickness, while some people are allergic to plants in the daisy family.
To grow your own in borders or pots, choose a sunny spot with nutrient-poor, free-draining soil in which to sprinkle seeds from early to mid-spring.
You should have a ready supply of cut flowers, edible blooms and leaves all summer long.