Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Bellis perennis
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| Common Names: |
Common Daisy, Lawn Daisy, Bruisewort
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| Key Name: |
English Daisy
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| Parts Used: |
Flowers, leaves, roots
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| Sister Plants: |
Bellis sylvestris, Leucanthemum vulgare, Chrysanthemum indicum
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| Comments: |
Perennial herb attractive to early-season pollinators; thrives in lawns and grassy areas
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Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Perennial (2-6 in), low rosette stem, spoon-shaped leaves, white or pink daisy-like flowers with yellow centers (0.5-1 in), blooming spring to early summer
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| Stem: |
Low rosette, 2-6 in, green
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| Leaves: |
Spoon-shaped, 1-4 inches, slightly hairy, dark green
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| Flowers: |
White or pink daisy-like flowers, 0.5-1 in, with yellow centers, blooming March-June
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| Fruit: |
Small achenes, 1-2 mm, ribbed
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| Taste: |
Bitter (leaves), mild (flowers)
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| Odour: |
Mild, grassy scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Fibrous root system
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to Europe, naturalized in North America and elsewhere
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| Cultivation: |
Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil; sow seeds in spring or fall; space 6-12 inches apart; water moderately
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| Harvest: |
Flowers: Spring to early summer (March-June); Leaves: Spring
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, expectorant
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for bruises, inflammation, urinary issues, and coughs; flowers for tea, leaves for poultices
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| Constituents: |
Tannins, saponins, flavonoids, volatile oils
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture)
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| Dosage: |
Infusion: 1 tsp dried flowers/leaves in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Tincture: 1-2 mL three times daily
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| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion or tincture; External: Poultice
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| Formulas: |
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause mild allergic reactions; avoid during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
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| Preparation: |
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried flowers/leaves in hot water 10 min; Poultice: Crush fresh leaves
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for minor wounds or calming effects in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, early-season pollinators
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Ornamental, ground cover
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| Culinary Uses: |
Flowers and leaves edible in salads (use sparingly)
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| History: |
Used in European folk medicine since ancient times; symbol of innocence in Victorian culture
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Bellis+perennis
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| Share: |
Private
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