Description:
Perennial growing to 0.6m.
The oxeye daisy is a perennial prostrate herb with small flower
head (not larger than 5 cm) that consists of about 20 white
ray flowers and numerous yellow disc flowers, growing on the
end of the stem. The stem is mostly unbranched and sprouts
laterally from a creeping rootstock.
The leaves are darkgreen on both sides. The basal and middle
leaves are petiolate, obovate to spoon-shaped, and serrate
to dentate. The upper leaves are shorter, sessile and borne
along the stem.
It produces an abundant number of flat seeds without pappus.
It spreads also vegetatively by rooting underground stems.
Distribution and habitat:
Meadow.
The oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare,
syn. Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) also known as the marguerite
is a widespread flowering plant native to Europe and the temperate
regions of Asia.
It is a typical meadow flower, growing in a
variety of plant communities such as dry fields, meadows,
but also under scrubs, open-canopy forests and waste places.
It thrives in a wide range of conditions and prefers heavy
and damp soils. It was introduced in parts of North America,
Australia and New Zealand, where it is now a common weed
displacing native plant species in some areas. It is difficult
to control or eradicate, since a new plant can regenerate
from rhizome fragments.
Hystory:
The genus derives its name from the Greek words chrisos (golden)
and anthos (flower), and contains only two indigenous species
this and the Corn Marigold, in which the whole flower is yellow,
not only the central disc of florets, as in the Daisy. The
specific name of the Ox-Eye signifies 'white flower,' being
like the generic name, Greek in origin. The old northern name
for the Daisy was Baldur's Brow, and this, with many other
species of Chrysanthemum became dedicated to St. John.
The Ox-Eye Daisy is a familiar sight in fields. In Somersetshire
there is an old tradition connecting it with the Thunder
God, and hence it is sometimes spoken of as the 'Dun Daisy.'
It is to be found throughout Europe and Russian Asia. The
ancients dedicated it to Artemis, the goddess of women, considering
it useful in women's complaints. In Christian days, it was
transferred to St. Mary Magdalen and called Maudelyn or Maudlin
Daisy after her. Gerard terms it Maudlinwort.
The game "He loves me, he loves me not" (effeuiller
la marguerite (in French)) is associated with this flower.
Parts used:
Whole herb, flowers, root.
Constituens:
Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Leaves; Root.
Leaves - raw or cooked. The young spring shoots are finely
chopped and added to salads. Rather pungent, they should
be used sparingly or mixed with other salad plants. Root
- raw. Used in spring.
Medicinal Uses:
Antispasmodic;
Antitussive;
Diaphoretic;
Diuretic;
Emmenagogue;
Tonic;
Vulnerary.
The whole plant, and especially the flowers, is
antispasmodic,
antitussive,
diaphoretic,
diuretic,
emmenagogue,
tonic and
vulnerary.
It is harvested in May and June then dried for later use. The
plant has been employed successfully in the treatment of whooping
cough, asthma and nervous excitability. Externally it is used
as a lotion on bruises, wounds, ulcers and some cutaneous diseases.
A decoction of the dried flowers and stems has been used as
a wash for chapped hands. A distilled water made from the flowers
is an effective eye lotion in the treatment of conjunctivitis.
Others Uses:
None known
Safety:
None known
