Bellis perennis (/ˈbɛlɪspəˈrɛnɪs/BEL-iss pə-REN-iss),[2][3] thedaisy, is a European species of thefamilyAsteraceae, often considered the archetypalspecies of the namedaisy. To distinguish this species from other plants known as daisies, it is sometimes qualified or known ascommon daisy,lawn daisy orEnglish daisy.
Bellis perennis is aperennialherbaceous plant growing to 20 centimetres (8 inches) in height.[4] It has short creepingrhizomes and rosettes of small rounded or spoon-shapedleaves that are from 2 to 5 cm (3⁄4–2 in) long and grow flat to the ground. The species habitually colonises lawns and is difficult to eradicate by mowing, hence the term 'lawn daisy'.
The plant blooms from March to September[4] and exhibits the phenomenon ofheliotropism, in which the flowers follow the position of the sun in the sky. The flower heads are composite, about2 to 3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) in diameter, in the form of apseudanthium, consisting of many sessile flowers with whiteray florets (often tipped red) and yellow disc florets. Eachinflorescence is borne on a single leafless stem2 to 10 cm (3⁄4–4 in), rarely 15 cm (6 in) tall. Thecapitulum, or disc of florets, is surrounded by two rows of greenbracts known as "phyllaries".[5] Theachenes are withoutpappus.[6]
Well-trodden meadow at London'sKew Gardens, the grass white with daisies
Bellis may come frombellus, Latin for "pretty", andperennis is Latin for "everlasting".[7]
The name "daisy", possibly originating with this plant,[4] is considered a corruption of "day's eye",[8] because the whole head closes at night and opens in the morning.Geoffrey Chaucer called it "eye of the day". In medieval times,Bellis perennis or the English Daisy was commonly known as "Mary's Rose".[9]
Historically, the plant has also been widely known asbruisewort, and occasionallywoundwort (although this name is now more closely associated with the genusStachys). It is also known asbone flower.[10]
Bellis perennis is native to western, central and northern Europe, including remote islands such as theFaroe Islands, but has become widelynaturalised in mosttemperate regions, including the Americas[11][12] and Australasia. It prefers field-like habitats.[4]
The species generally blooms from early to midsummer, although when grown under ideal conditions, it has a very long flowering season and will even produce a few flowers in the middle of mild winters.[7][13]
It can generally be grown where minimum temperatures are above −35 °C (−30 °F), in full sun to partial shade conditions, and requires little or no maintenance. It has no known serious insect or disease problems and can generally be grown in most well-drained soils. The plant may be propagated either by seed after the last frost, or by division after flowering.[7][14]
Though not native to the United States,[15] the species is still considered a valuable ground cover in certain garden settings (e.g., as part of English or cottage inspired gardens, as well as spring meadows where low growth and some colour is desired in parallel with minimal care and maintenance while helping to crowd outnoxious weeds once established and naturalised).
Numerous single- anddouble-flowered varieties are in cultivation, producing flat or spherical blooms in a range of sizes (1 to 6 cm or3⁄8 to2+3⁄8 in) and colours (red, pink and white). They are generally grown fromseed asbiennialbedding plants. They can also be purchased asplugs in spring.
It has been reported to be mostly self-fertilizing, but some plants may be self-sterile.[16]
Bellis perennis may be used as apotherb. The young leaves can be eaten raw in salads[17] or cooked, but the leaves become increasinglyastringent with age.[7] Flower buds and petals can be eaten raw insandwiches, soups and salads.[13] It is also used as a tea and as a vitamin supplement.[11]
B. perennis has astringent properties and has been used inherbal medicine.[18]
Daisies have traditionally been used for makingdaisy chains in children's games.[19]
^Budwig, Johanna (1956).Krebs – ein Fettproblem, richtige Wahl und Verwendung der Fette. Hyperion-Verlag, Freiburg im Breisgau, p. 44: recipe for cancer patients.
^Howard, Michael (1987).Traditional Folk Remedies. Century, p. 129.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Baynes, T. S., ed. (1875–1889). "Daisy".Encyclopædia Britannica (9th ed.). New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
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