Leucanthemum vulgare

Photo by Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, , Bugwood.org View in Bugwood Image Database Taxonomy Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Asterales Family: Asteraceae Genus: Leucanthemum Species: vulgare Scientific Name Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. Scientific Name Synonym Leucanthemum leucanthemum Lam. Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Lam. Common Names oxeye daisy, ox-eye daisy

Overview

Appearance

Oxeye daisy is an invasive perennial that can reach from 1-3 ft. (0.3-1 m) in height. A single plant can produce from 1-40 flowering stems.

Foliage

Leaves are 1-4 in. (2.5-10 cm) long, toothed (or lobed) and decrease in size closer to the apex of the stem. Basal leaves are spoon-shaped and petiolate.

Flowers

Flowering occurs all summer, when daisy-like flower heads develop.

Fruit

Each flower head can produce up to 200 flat seeds that are 0.08 in. (2 mm) long.

Ecological Threat

Oxeye daisy is native to Europe and was introduced into the United States as an ornamental in the 1800s. The plants have been shown to carry several crop diseases. Oxeye daisy can thrive in a wide variety of soil types and can grow in sun to partial shade.