English Daisy

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Long-lived perennial

Native distribution

Not Native to the Finger Lakes Region, SW Eurasia

Biocultural value

Chaucer celebrates the daisy in Legende of Goode Women, in which Queen Alceste is transformed into a daisy with as many virtues as florets. Flowers can be added to salads or used as garnishes. Tart leaves can be cooked as a potherb. Denotes innocence.

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Richters, Thompson & Morgan, J.L. Hudson, Seedsman

Description

Perennial, usually scapose, spreading by short stolons. Leaves to 1-6 x 0.5-2.5cm, oblanceolate to broadly obovate-spathulate, narrowed abruptly to petiole, 1-veined, bright green, adpressed pubescent at least when young. Capitula 1.5-3cm diameter, on slender 4-5cm peduncles, thickened below capitulum; receptacle conic, 3-7mm; phyllaries 3-5mm, oblong, apex often obtuse; ray florets 4-11mm, often tinged maroon below, occasionally pink. Fruits to 2mm, pubescent.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

food, other ethnobotanical uses

Status

L3|SNR|GNR