English Daisy (Bellis perennis L.)

Abstract

The English daisy, Bellis perennis L., is a widespread lawn weed and a bane to those who favor daisy-free lawns and golf courses. The genetic name Bellis, a designation used by Pliny, means “pretty”; perennis means “through the years,” “continuing,” or “perennial” (Gledhill 1985; Mabberley 1989). While pretty, the English daisy is a persistent weed that spreads by short stolons (Tutin et al. 1976). It is a member of the cosmopolitan family Compositae, which encompasses 1,100 genera and 25,000 species (Heywood 1993). The genus Bellis comprises about 15 European and Mediterranean species. Some of them are medicinal and some are cultivated ornamentals, especially forms of B. perennis. The signature of this species is a flower head that Closes at night and in wet weather (Tutin et al. 1976).