Daisy | Description, Types, Examples, & Facts (2024)

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daisy, any of several species of flowering plants belonging to the aster family (Asteraceae). The name daisy commonly denotes the oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), the Shasta daisy (L. ×superbum), and the English, or true, daisy (Bellis perennis). These and other plants called daisies are distinguished by a composite flower head composed of 15 to 30 white ray flowers surrounding a centre consisting of bright yellow disk flowers, though other colour combinations are common.

The oxeye daisy is native to Europe and Asia but has become a common wild plant in the United States and elsewhere. This perennial grows to a height of about 60 cm (2 feet) and has oblong incised leaves and long petioles (leafstalks). Its solitary flower heads are about 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) in diameter, and the ray flowers are white in colour. The cultivated Shasta daisy resembles the oxeye daisy but has larger flower heads that may reach a diameter of 10 cm (4 inches).

Daisy | Description, Types, Examples, & Facts (2)

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Daisy | Description, Types, Examples, & Facts (3)

Members of the genus Bellis are perennials that have solitary flower heads borne on long stalks; the disk flowers are yellow, the ray flowers white or purple. The English daisy (B. perennis) is often used as a bedding plant. It has numerous spoon-shaped, slightly hairy leaves near its base that form a rosette. The plant has leafless flower stalks and hairy bracts (leaflike structures) below the flower heads. Some varieties of the English daisy have double flowers; others may have pink or red ray flowers surrounding the bright yellow disk. Like the oxeye, the English daisy is native to Europe but has become a common wild plant in much of North America.

Daisy | Description, Types, Examples, & Facts (4)

Other daisies include the Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) of the floral industry, marguerite daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens), painted lady daisy (Tanacetum coccineum), and pyrethrum daisy (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium) and various members of the genera Chrysanthemum and Erigeron.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.

Daisy | Description, Types, Examples, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

Daisy | Description, Types, Examples, & Facts? ›

Members of the genus Bellis are perennials that have solitary flower heads borne on long stalks; the disk flowers are yellow, the ray flowers white or purple. The English daisy (B. perennis) is often used as a bedding plant. It has numerous spoon-shaped, slightly hairy leaves near its base that form a rosette.

What is the most common type of daisy? ›

English daisy, Bellis perennis, also known as the common daisy, often has white petals. The flowers can come in a variety of colors though, including pink and rose.

How many versions of daisy are there? ›

There are over 20,000 different daisy varieties, providing plenty of options for just about every gardener. Daisies are considered tender perennials which means they are typically treated as annual flowers, because they aren't hardy for winter.

What is the difference between a common daisy and a Shasta daisy? ›

The Shasta daisy is another classic daisy that bears a very similar resemblance to the English daisy. The Shasta daisy, however, has a much larger yellow center and grows much taller, often reaching stem heights of two to three feet tall.

What is something special about daisies? ›

What daisies symbolize. The sweet simplicity and genuine beauty of the daisy have made the flower an international emblem of innocence and purity. Its fresh, crisp appearance has come to symbolize new beginnings, and its bright, spirit-lifting colors are known to spread happiness like wildfire.

What do daisies symbolize? ›

Nonetheless, they are frequently associated with purity, childbirth, new beginnings, and cheerfulness. Daisy petals symbolize innocence and are commonly associated with childhood memories of collecting wildflower bouquets. Flower girls scatter Daisy petals at weddings to represent the purity of love.

What kind of daisies bloom all summer? ›

If you want brilliant mounds of yellow sprinkled throughout your yard and you're getting a late start to gardening season, then it might be time to plant Golden Marguerite. This bright yellow daisy is fast-growing and will bloom continuously throughout the summer.

Do daisies like sun or shade? ›

Plant daisies in an area that receives full sunlight—six hours or more per day—for the best blooms. Some cultivars will bloom in shaded areas, but with less intensity.

What are the rarest daisies? ›

This bright yellow flower that blooms in early spring is globally rare and found only along the Great Lakes.

What is the easiest daisy to grow? ›

Shasta daisies are one of the easiest perennials to grow. They prefer, but do not necessarily need, moist yet well-drained soil. Fertilize monthly with a granular fertilizer like Osmocote, and liquid-feed weekly if desired. Staking is generally a good idea, but not a necessity.

What type of daisy is perennial? ›

Painted daisies (Tanacetum coccineum), also known as pyrethrum daisies or Chrysanthemum coccineum, are perennial plants with vibrant, daisy-like flowers. They feature a central disk surrounded by radiating petals, which come in a range of colors, such as pink, red, white, and violet.

What is a big daisy called? ›

Scientific name: Leucanthemum vulgare. Often growing in swathes along a roadside or field margin, the oxeye daisy is just as at home in traditional hay meadows. The large, white, daisy-like flowers are easy to identify.

What are some fun facts about the name daisy? ›

Daisy is a feminine given name. The flower name comes from the Old English word dægeseage, meaning "day's eye". The name Daisy is therefore ultimately derived from this source. Daisy is also a nickname for Margaret because Marguerite, the French version of the latter name, is also a French name for the oxeye daisy.

How long do daisies live? ›

With proper care (i.e. fresh water every few days), cut daisies can last between 7 and 14 days in a vase either by themselves or as part as a larger arrangement. In addition to periodically changing their water, recut their stems every three days to keep the flowers fresh and looking their best.

What are the facts about white daisies? ›

These white daisies are native to Europe and Russian Asia, where they're found along roadsides and in fields. In this nation, ox eye daisy has naturalized in similar settings. The blossom on ox eye daisy boasts the classic white daisy form: a yellow center ringed with white petals.

How tall can daisies grow? ›

There are dozens of varieties, with different plant sizes and single or double flowers. Their height can vary from 6 to 48 inches tall in sizes suitable for small urban lots or spacious properties.

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