Common Daisy (also known as Lawn Daisy, English Daisy, or Bruisewort)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Bellis, Species: B. perennis · Asteraceae (Daisy, Aster, or Sunflower family) · Simple, herbaceous and evergreen (or persistent in mild winters)
Species
Bellis perennis
Leaf Type
Simple, herbaceous and evergreen (or persistent in mild winters)
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy, Aster, or Sunflower family)
Shape
Spatulate to obovate with a tapered, winged petiole-like base
Size
Approximately 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long including the stalk, which is typical for basal rosette leaves of this species
Margin
Crenate to serrate with shallow, rounded to somewhat blunt teeth towards the apex, becoming entire near the base
Arrangement
Basal rosette, clustering close to the ground
Rarity
Very Common, frequently encountered as a weed in lawns and disturbed turfgrass
Color & Pattern
Dark green to olive green due to pressing and drying; upper and lower surfaces are uniform in color with no prominent variegation, though some yellowing is visible at the senescing edges
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent whitish midrib tapering toward the tip and faint lateral veins curving upward
Texture & Surface
Smooth to slightly pubescent with sparse hairs, somewhat leathery and papery now that the specimen is dried and pressed
Description
Bellis perennis is a low-growing perennial herb featuring a tight basal rosette of spoon-shaped leaves and short, leafless flowering stems topped with classic white daisy flower heads featuring bright yellow central disks. The plant produces small, achene fruits and spreads readily via creeping rhizomes and seeds.
Key Features
Spatulate, spoon-shaped basal leaves tapering into a winged stalk, finely crenate margins near the apex, and a low-growing rosette habit tightly hugging the ground
Habitat
Found in lawns, pastures, meadows, grassy fields, and waste areas; prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to western, central, and northern Europe, but now widely naturalized across North America, New Zealand, and temperate regions globally
Condition Notes
Dried herbarium specimen in fair to good condition; leaves are intact though flattened and taped down, showing typical herbarium aging, minor marginal drying, and slight chlorosis on older outer leaves
Interesting Facts
The species name 'perennis' means 'everlasting' or perennial. The flowers famously close at night and open in the morning, leading to the old English folk name 'day's eye', from which 'daisy' is derived
Medicinal & Uses
Traditionally used in herbal medicine as a vulnerary to treat wounds, bruises, and cuts (hence 'bruisewort'). Young leaves and flower heads are entirely edible and can be added to salads or soups
Ecological Role
Provides early-season nectar and pollen for various small pollinators, bees, and hoverflies; serves as a food source for grazing wildlife and lawn-dwelling caterpillars
Similar Species
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), which has deeply lobed, angular leaves rather than rounded, spatulate ones, and Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata), which features hairy, lobed leaves
Foraging Tips
Look in manicured lawns, open pastures, and grassy parks especially in spring; harvest young basal leaves before the plant flowers for the best, least bitter flavor
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic; safe for humans and pets, making it a popular and safe wild edible plant for foraging