Leucanthemum vulgare

Leucanthemum vulgare Flower (30/06/2012, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Late spring to autumn

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 60cm

Eventual Spread: 30cm

Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Asteraceae

Leucanthemum vulgare is a fast growing herbaceous perennial. Its dark green leaves are petiolate to obovate with serrate margins and become shorter higher up the plant. Its stems are usually unbranched. Its flowers are up to 5cm across, consist of about 20 white ray florets that surround a yellow centre and appear at the end of the stems. Its seed are flat and abundant. Its roots are rhizomes which aids its spread.

Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as Oxeye Daisy, Ox-eye Daisy, Moon Daisy and Dog Daisy, is native to most of Europe (including the UK) and temperate regions of Asia. In its native habitat it grows in meadows, areas of scrub and woodland margins. Leucanthemum vulgare is synonymous with Chrysanthemum leucanthemum. It is an invasive species in parts of the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

The etymological root of the binomial name Leucanthemum is derived from the Greek leukos meaning ‘white’ and anthemon meaning ‘flower’. Vulgare is from the Latin, meaning ‘common’.

Leucanthemum vulgare (30/06/2012, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Leucanthemum vulgare useful as part of a wild flower meadow.

Ecologically, Leucanthemum vulgare is attractive to pollinating insects.

Leucanthemum vulgare prefers moist, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Leucanthemum vulgare requires little maintenance. If grown as part of a wild flower meadow, the meadow should be cut after the flowers have set seed. Large clumps may be divided in spring or autumn.