Bellis perennis
Daisy
a perennial evergreen member of the Bellis genus in the family Compositae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Compositae
- Genus
- Bellis
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Height
- 0.15 m
- Spread
- 0.15 m
- Fertility
- Self fertile, Bees, Flies, Beetles, Self
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees, Flies, Beetles, Self
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Leaves - raw or cooked[7][18][16][2]. The flavour is somewhat acrid[15]. A pleasant sour flavour according to another report[12] whilst a third says that they are mild and agreeable and are used in salads[10]. The daisy is occasionally used as a potherb[5]. Flower buds and petals - raw[3][5]. Eaten in sandwiches, soups and salads[5].
- Plant part
- Flowers
- Plant part
- Leaves
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Daisies are a popular domestic remedy with a wide range of applications[18]. They are a traditional wound herb[12] and are also said to be especially useful in treating delicate and listless children[18]. Recent research (1994) has been looking at the possibility of using the plant in HIV therapy[12]. The herb is mildly anodyne, antispasmodic, antitussive, demulcent, digestive, emollient, expectorant, laxative, ophthalmic, purgative and tonic[18][19][9]. The fresh or dried flowering heads are normally used[19]. An infusion is used in the treatment of catarrh, rheumatism, arthritis, liver and kidney disorders, as a blood purifier etc[19]. The daisy once had a great reputation as a cure for fresh wounds[15]. An ointment made from the leaves is applied externally to wounds, bruises etc[15][11] whilst a distilled water is used internally to treat inflammatory disorders of the liver[15]. Chewing the fresh leaves is said to be a cure for mouth ulcers[14]. Daisies also have a reputation for effectiveness in treating breast cancers[18]. The flowers and leaves are normally used fresh in decoctions, ointments and poultices[12]. A strong decoction of the roots has been recommended for the treatment of scorbutic complaints and eczema, though it needs to be taken for some time before its effect becomes obvious[14]. A mild decoction may ease complaints of the respiratory tract, rheumatic pains and painful or heavy menstruation[14]. The plant, harvested when in flower, is used as a homeopathic remedy[11]. Its use is especially indicated in the treatment of bruising etc[11].
- Product or use
- Anodyne
- Product or use
- Antispasmodic
- Product or use
- Antitussive
- Product or use
- Cancer
- Product or use
- Demulcent
- Product or use
- Digestive
- Product or use
- Emollient
- Product or use
- Expectorant
- Product or use
- Laxative
- Product or use
- Ophthalmic
- Product or use
- Purgative
- Product or use
- Tonic
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
An insect repellent spray can be made from an infusion of the leaves[17].
- Product or use
- Repellent
Environment
- Range
- Most of Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia.
- Habitat
- A common plant of meadows, lawns and other grassy areas, it is very frequently found growing in lawns[4].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 4+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow as soon as the seed is ripe in June. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late summer[8]. Division after flowering[8]. Very easy, it can be done at almost any time of the year, though spring and early summer are best[K]. The divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Succeeds in most well-drained soils in sun or semi-shade[6][8]. The daisy is commonly found growing in many lawns, some varieties have been developed for the flower garden[1]. It is a good plant for the spring meadow[13]. The plants have a very long flowering season, they will even produce a few flowers in the middle of mild winters[K].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain.
Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Wild Food in Australia. Fontana 1976-00-00 ISBN 0-00-634436-4
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-553-23827-2
Les Ecologistes de l'Euzi�re Les Salades Sauvages Not given. 1994-00-00 ISBN 2-906128-04-X
Castro. M. The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. Macmillan. London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-333-55581-3
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden.
Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30725-8
Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn 1980-00-00
Schery. R. W. Plants for Man.
Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5
Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2