Leaves

Basal floret of waxy, deep green and ovate, quite thick leaves. No leaves on the flower stem.

Flowers

The flower heads are composite, consisting of many tiny sessile flowers , with white ray florets (often tipped red) and yellow disc florets. Each inflorescence is carried on a single leafless stem approx. 2–10 cm tall. The capitulum, or disc of florets, is surrounded by two rows of green bracts.

Seeds

Stem

Fruit

Taste

Fairly bland and a little bitter

Frequency & law

Extremely common and not restricted

Possible confusion

Potentially other asteraceae members such as chamomile, or feverfew, but only superficially.

Habitat

The daisy is a common plant of meadows, lawns and other grassy areas, it is very frequently found growing in lawns. It is very common across most of Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia.

How to harvest

Early spring through to late summer.

Cooking tips

Mostly eaten raw, although the leaves can ba a little hairy.

Other uses

There are references to an insect repellent spray being made from an infusion of the leaves, however it is possible that this is a confusion with the “Pyrethrum Daisy”, also known as Chrysanthemum. They have been used as a remedy for deep bruising and can sometimes be referred to as British Arnica.

Folklore

The ancient Romans believed that Vertumnus, the god of gardens and trees, saw the lovely wood nymph Belides, dancing with the other innocent nymphs in the rain. Vertumnus wanted her, but she wasn’t interested, so to escape from Vertumnus, Belides turned herself into a bellis flower.