Common Daisy, English Daisy, Lawn Daisy, Bruisewort
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Bellis, Species: Bellis perennis · Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family) · Simple; Deciduous to Semi-evergreen, forming a basal rosette.
Species
Bellis perennis
Leaf Type
Simple; Deciduous to Semi-evergreen, forming a basal rosette.
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family)
Shape
Spatulate to obovate (spoon-shaped), tapering toward the base.
Size
Typically 2-5 cm in length. While the image primarily shows the leafless flower stalk (scape), the hidden basal leaves would be close to the ground in this species.
Margin
Crenate (rounded-toothed) to nearly entire.
Arrangement
Basal rosette (all leaves emerge from the base of the plant); the flower stalk itself is leafless.
Rarity
Very Common; often considered a weed in manicured lawns but beloved as a wildflower.
Color & Pattern
Bright green to dark green; the flower head (shown) features white or pink-tipped ray florets and a bright yellow central disc.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent midrib, though usually faint in the fleshy leaf blade.
Texture & Surface
Pubescent (short, fine hairs) to glabrescent; leaves are somewhat fleshy or leathery.
Description
A low-growing herbaceous perennial with a basal rosette of spoon-shaped leaves. It sends up a single, leafless stalk (scape) topped by a composite flower head consisting of white/pink ray petals and a yellow center. The flower is famous for closing at night and opening in the morning.
Key Features
Leafless flower stalks (scapes), spoon-shaped basal leaves, yellow disc florets surrounded by white ray florets that are often tinged with pink on the underside.
Habitat
Grassy areas, lawns, meadows, and roadsides; prefers moist, fertile soils and full sun to partial shade.
Geographic Range
Native to Western, Central, and Northern Europe; widely naturalized in North America, Australasia, and other temperate regions.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears to be a freshly picked flower head and stalk in good health; ray petals show characteristic pink tips denoting a mature bloom.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Daisy' is a corruption of 'day's eye' because the head closes at night. It was historically used as a symbol of innocence and is often used in making daisy chains.
Medicinal & Uses
Used traditionally in herbal medicine for wound healing (hence 'bruisewort') and as an astringent. The flower buds and petals are edible and sometimes used in salads.
Ecological Role
An important nectar source for small bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators early in the season.
Similar Species
Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) which is much taller with stem leaves; Erigeron species (Fleabane) which usually have more numerous, narrower ray florets.
Foraging Tips
Look in lawns during early spring to autumn. The plant is easiest to spot when the flowers are open during full daylight.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans; generally considered safe, though some individuals may have an allergic reaction if sensitive to the Asteraceae family.