Bellis perennis - Daisy
| Family: | Compositae |
| Habit: | Perennial |
| Height: | 0.15 |
| Width: | 0.15 |
| Synonyms: | |
| Range: | Most of Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia. |
Daisy will flower in July to June. the seeds ripen from November to April
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, self
Soil Information
Daisy will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Daisy prefers moist soils
Ideal Planting Locations
Daisy can grow in semi or areas with no shade.A common plant of meadows, lawns and other grassy areas, it is very frequently found growing in lawns[17].
Planting places suited to this plant described below.
- Planted in the lawn
- Suits a meadow
Cultivation Details
Succeeds in most well-drained soils in sun or semi-shade[188, 200]. 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[24]. The plants have a very long flowering season, they will even produce a few flowers in the middle of mild winters[K].Edible Uses*
* See disclaimerEdible Rating: 3/5
Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 7, 52, 115]. The flavour is somewhat acrid[4]. A pleasant sour flavour according to another report[238] whilst a third says that they are mild and agreeable and are used in salads[217]. The daisy is occasionally used as a potherb[183]. Flower buds and petals - raw[144, 183]. Eaten in sandwiches, soups and salads[183].
- Flowers -
- Leaves -
Medicinal Uses*
* See disclaimerMedicinal Rating: 3/5
Daisies are a popular domestic remedy with a wide range of applications[7]. They are a traditional wound herb[238] and are also said to be especially useful in treating delicate and listless children[7]. Recent research (1994) has been looking at the possibility of using the plant in HIV therapy[238]. The herb is mildly anodyne, antispasmodic, antitussive, demulcent, digestive, emollient, expectorant, laxative, ophthalmic, purgative and tonic[7, 9, 21]. The fresh or dried flowering heads are normally used[9]. An infusion is used in the treatment of catarrh, rheumatism, arthritis, liver and kidney disorders, as a blood purifier etc[9]. The daisy once had a great reputation as a cure for fresh wounds[4]. An ointment made from the leaves is applied externally to wounds, bruises etc[4, 232] whilst a distilled water is used internally to treat inflammatory disorders of the liver[4]. Chewing the fresh leaves is said to be a cure for mouth ulcers[244]. Daisies also have a reputation for effectiveness in treating breast cancers[7]. The flowers and leaves are normally used fresh in decoctions, ointments and poultices[238]. 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[244]. A mild decoction may ease complaints of the respiratory tract, rheumatic pains and painful or heavy menstruation[244]. The plant, harvested when in flower, is used as a homeopathic remedy[232]. Its use is especially indicated in the treatment of bruising etc[232].
- Anodyne - Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
- Antispasmodic - Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
- Antitussive - Prevents or relieves coughing.
- Cancer - Used in the treatment of cancer.
- Demulcent - Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
- Digestive - Aids digestion.
- Emollient - Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.
- Expectorant - Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
- Laxative - Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
- Ophthalmic - Treats eye complaints.
- Purgative - A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
- Tonic - Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Propagation
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[200]. Division after flowering[200]. 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.Known Hazards
None knownOther Uses
An insect repellent spray can be made from an infusion of the leaves[57].- Repellent - Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
Cultivars
'' - There are some named forms for this species, but these have been developed for their ornamental value and not for their other uses. Unless you particularly require the special characteristics of any of these cultivars, we would generally recommend that you grow the natural species for its useful properties. We have, therefore, not listed the cultivars in this database[K].References
Flora of the British Isles.Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992
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