Ox-Eye Daisy, Marguerite

Leucanthemum vulgare

Physical Characteristics

Leucanthemum vulgare is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Lapland south and east to the Mediterranean and Siberia.

Habitats

Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 115]. The young spring shoots are finely chopped and added to salads[4, 7, 183]. Rather pungent[9], they should be used sparingly or mixed with other salad plants[183]. Root - raw[5]. Used in spring[207].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Antitussive Diaphoretic Diuretic Emmenagogue Tonic Vulnerary The whole plant, and especially the flowers[7], is antispasmodic, antitussive, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, tonic and vulnerary[4, 7, 21]. It is harvested in May and June then dried for later use[4]. The plant has been employed successfully in the treatment of whooping cough, asthma and nervous excitability[4]. Externally it is used as a lotion on bruises, wounds, ulcers and some cutaneous diseases[4, 7]. A decoction of the dried flowers and stems has been used as a wash for chapped hands[257]. A distilled water made from the flowers is an effective eye lotion in the treatment of conjunctivitis[7].

Known Hazards

None known