Common Daisy, Lawn Daisy, English Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Bellis, Species: Bellis perennis · Asteraceae (Aster, Daisy, or Sunflower family) · Simple, herbaceous perennial
Species
Bellis perennis
Leaf Type
Simple, herbaceous perennial
Family
Asteraceae (Aster, Daisy, or Sunflower family)
Shape
Spatulate to obovate with a tapered, winged petiole-like base
Size
Approximately 1 to 2 inches long including the petiole, and 0.5 inches wide, which is standard for a basal rosette of this species
Margin
Crenate to shallowly dentate with rounded teeth, sometimes appearing almost entire
Arrangement
Basal rosette
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Dark green to brownish-green due to pressing and drying; upper and lower surfaces are similar in color with sparse fine hairs
Venation Pattern
Pinnate to reticulate with a prominent central midrib extending up the blade
Texture & Surface
Slightly pubescent (hairy) when fresh, becoming papery and flattened from the pressing process
Description
Bellis perennis is a low-growing perennial plant featuring a dense rosette of spatula-shaped leaves lying close to the ground. When alive, it produces charming composite flower heads with white ray florets often tipped with pink or red, surrounding a bright yellow center disc. As a pressed specimen, the rosettes and detached individual leaves show their characteristic rounded tips and tapering bases.
Key Features
Spatulate or obovate leaf shape tapering directly into a winged petiole, fine hairs on the margins, and growth in a flat basal rosette close to the ground
Habitat
Lawns, pastures, meadows, waste places, and disturbed soils; thrives in moist, well-draining soils with full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to western, central, and northern Europe, but now widely naturalized across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and temperate regions globally
Condition Notes
Dried and preserved pressed herbarium specimen showing typical darkening and flattening from the pressing process, with some natural yellowing and slight mechanical tearing on older leaves, overall good condition for study
Interesting Facts
The name 'daisy' is a corruption of 'day's eye', because the flower opens up at dawn and closes at night. The plant has a remarkable ability to withstand being repeatedly mown, rapidly flattening its flower heads and leaves to escape the mower blades.
Medicinal & Uses
Traditionally used in herbal medicine as a vulnerary to treat wounds, bruises, and scrapes due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Young leaves and flower heads are entirely edible and can be added raw to salads.
Ecological Role
Provides an early source of nectar and pollen for various small pollinators and insects in urban and suburban lawns where other flowers may be scarce
Similar Species
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), which has deeply lobed or jagged leaves compared to the rounded, spatula-shaped leaves of the English Daisy
Foraging Tips
Look for low-growing rosettes in lawns and grassy fields, especially in spring. Collect younger leaves before the plant flowers for the best flavor and tenderness when foraging for culinary use.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. Bellis perennis is completely safe for humans and pets, with no known poisonous parts.
Notes
I identified this before I pressed it and it wasn’t a Daisy then.