Daisy, Common Daisy, Lawn 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, persistent evergreen or semi-evergreen rosette leaf
Species
Bellis perennis
Leaf Type
Simple, persistent evergreen or semi-evergreen rosette leaf
Family
Asteraceae (Aster, Daisy, or Sunflower family)
Shape
Spatulate to obovate with a tapered petiolate base
Size
Approximately 1 to 2 inches long including the stalk, which is typical for small basal leaves of this rosette-forming species
Margin
Crenate to serrate with shallow, rounded teeth or sometimes nearly entire
Arrangement
Basal rosette clustered tightly at ground level
Rarity
Very Common, frequently found as a ubiquitous lawn weed and pasture wildflower
Color & Pattern
Dark green to olive-brown due to pressing and drying, showing some yellowing on older leaf margins; typically bright green with no complex variegation
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib tapering toward the apex
Texture & Surface
Smooth to sparsely pubescent, papery due to being pressed and dried in a herbarium or journal
Description
Bellis perennis is a low-growing perennial herb featuring a tight rosette of spatulate leaves hugging the ground. It produces charming daisy-like flower heads with white ray florets often tipped with pink or red surrounding a bright yellow central disk. The plant spreads via creeping rhizomes and forms dense patches in turf grass.
Key Features
Spatulate, spoon-shaped basal leaves with a tapering winged petiole, low-growing rosette habit, and absence of aerial stem leaves
Habitat
Thrives in lawns, pastures, meadows, and disturbed grassy areas preferring moist, well-draining 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, Australia, and temperate regions globally
Condition Notes
Dried and preserved specimen taped securely into a notebook; leaves show typical preservation browning with some slight marginal chlorosis and minor mechanical damage, overall fair to good condition for a dried specimen
Interesting Facts
The name 'Bellis' is derived from the Latin bellus, meaning 'pretty', while 'perennis' means 'everlasting'. The flower traditionally closes at night and opens in the morning, leading to the old English name 'day's eye'.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used in traditional herbal medicine for wound healing, soothing coughs, and treating bruises. Young leaves and flowers are edible and can be added raw to salads or sandwiches, imparting a mild, slightly bitter taste.
Ecological Role
Provides early-season nectar and pollen for various pollinators including bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. Acts as an important food source for grazing herbivores and lawn-dwelling insects.
Similar Species
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata), which can be distinguished by their deeply lobed or sharply toothed dandelion-like leaves and milky sap, whereas Bellis perennis has simple spoon-shaped leaves without milky sap.
Foraging Tips
Look in manicured lawns, parks, and grassy pathways, especially during spring and autumn. Search for low-lying rosettes close to the soil surface. Young leaves can be foraged before flowering for the best tender texture.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. Safe for humans and pets, though large quantities might occasionally cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to natural saponin content.