Bellis perennis

Daisy, Lawn Daisy, English Daisy

Asteraceae Edible: Flowers, Leaves, Flowers - tea 128,903 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Bellis perennis ( BEL-iss pə-REN-iss), the daisy, is a European species of the family Asteraceae, often considered the archetypal species of the name daisy. To distinguish this species from other plants known as daisies, it is sometimes qualified or known as common daisy, lawn daisy or English daisy.

Description

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.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves 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.

Traditional Uses

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.

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antidiarrhoeal Antispasmodic Antitussive Cancer Demulcent Digestive Eczema Emollient Expectorant Laxative Ophthalmic Purgative Tonic 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.

Distribution

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.

Where It Grows

Africa, Alaskia, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Azores, Balkans, Belgium, Bosnia, Britain*, 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,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seed. Seedlings can be transplanted. Plants re-seed. Plants can also be grown by division.

Propagation

Seed - sow as soon as the seed is ripe in June. 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.

Other Uses

Repellent An insect repellent spray can be made from an infusion of the leaves. Daisies have traditionally been used for making daisy chains in children's games. Special Uses Food Forest

Other Information

It is foraged and supplied to restaurants in Sweden.

Notes

There are about 7-15 Bellis species.

Also Known As

Beyazpapatya, Erva di primu xiuri, Jancuzzu, Koyungozu, Madeliefje, Margarita, Margheritina, Mindris gvirila, Mya-ta-pwint, Navadna marjetica, Papatya, Parice, Parichka, Prstenjak, Sedmikraska obecna, Tusenfryd

References (50)

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