oxeye daisy(Leucanthemum vulgare Lam.)
Order Asterales Aster (Family Asteraceae)
Species Information
🌍 Native Range

Europe and western Asia

🌿 Appearance

Oxeye daisy is an herbaceous perennial growing 1–3 ft (30–90 cm) tall from shallow, short-spreading roots. Leaves are alternate with uneven lobed margins. Flower heads are typically 1–3 in (2½–7½ cm) in diameter with white outer ray florets and yellow inner disc florets. Seeds are cylindrical, ribbed, and have no pappus.

Impact

Oxeye daisy displaces native plant species, reduces forage production, and is a contaminant of certified seed crops. While not considered poisonous to livestock, it may impart a disagreeable taste and odor to the milk of dairy cows. It’s been shown to carry several crop diseases and is difficult to eradicate from lawns. This weed has also been documented causing contact dermatitis in people.

📄 Reference

De Clerck-Floate, R.A., S. Stutz, and J. Littlefield. Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare): History and Ecology in North America. In: R.L. Winston, Ed. Biological Control of Weeds in North America. North American Invasive Species Management Association, Milwaukee, WI. NAISMA-BCW-2024-43-OXEYE DAISY-P. https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/33581.pdf