Common Names: oxeye daisy, ox-eye daisy,
margarite, white daisy
Native Origin: Europe
Description: An herbaceous perennial
in the aster family (Asteraceae) with numerous stems
from 1 to 3 feet tall. Stems are slender, erect and may
emerge from the root crown or singly from an upturned
rhizome. Stalked basal leaves are spoon-shaped, broadly
toothed, and 2 to 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. The stem
leaves are alternate, smooth, glossy and dark green. The
leaf stalks are short and clasp the stem. Solitary flower
heads composed of 15-30 white ray florets that surround a
compact yellow disc with a depressed center. Flowers occur
singly at the ends of stems and bloom from June to August.
The fruit is a flat seed 0.08 in long, 10-ribbed, dark gray
at maturity with no pappus. A typical plant produces over
500 seeds that spread by wind or animals and remain viable
in the seedbank for 2-3 years. The root system is comprised
of shallow, un-branched roots and rhizomes. Plants reproduce
by roots and seeds.
Habitat: It has escaped cultivation
and is now common in native grasslands, pastures, fields,
disturbed areas, waste areas, open woods, meadows, and
roadsides. It is adapted to coarse and medium textured soil,
pH 5.2 - 7.
Distribution: This species is
reported from states shaded on Plants Database map. It is
considered invasive in AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, KY, MD, MI, MO,
MT, NJ, NY, OR, TN, WA, WI, and WY.
States where invasive, in red
Ecological Impacts: Oxeye daisy has
the potential to form dense colonies, decrease overall
vascular plant diversity, and modify existing communities.
It can quickly replace up to 50% of the grass species in
pastures. Heavy infestations create an increase in the
potential for soil erosion. Oxeye daisy is a host for
several viral diseases affecting crops, including the yellow
dwarf virus of potatoes.
Control and Management: It is
difficult to eradicate because of its large seedbank, long
viability of seed, and ability to resprout from roots if not
completely removed.
- • Manual- Because of shallow roots, small
infestations can be easily hand pulled or dug up before
seed heads are produced.
- • Chemical- It can be effectively controlled
using any of several readily available general use
herbicides such as picloram, imazapyrp, and dicamba.
Some herbicides may damage non-target species. Follow
label and state requirements.
