Common Name: Daisy

General Information

Bellis perennis is a low-growing, evegreen perennial plant, producing a rosette of leaves 2 - 4cm long from a fibrous rootstock and usually several short flowering stems 3 - 12cm tall, each topped by a single flower. The plant spreads by means of short stolons, forming clumps of growth[, ].
One of the most common wild flowers in Europe, where it is commonly seen growing in lawns and other areas of short grass.The plant is often used in modern herbalism and sometimes also as a food and an insect repellent. Occasionally growin in the flower garden, various named forms have been developed.
The plant can spread vigorously by means of stolons and seed. It has moved with humans to various parts of the globe and has become naturalized in countries such as New Zealand and Hawaii, where it is considered to be invasive[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Most of Europe, excluding Norway, Sweden and the Baltic States; W. Asia - Caucasus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan; . Africa - Morocco

Habitat

A common plant of meadows, lawns and other grassy areas, it is very frequently found growing in lawns[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Beetles, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

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[].

Edible Uses

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[].

Medicinal

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[].

Other Uses

An insect repellent spray can be made from an infusion of the leaves[].

Propagation

Seed - sow as soon as the seed is ripe in early summer. 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.