Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)

Oxeye Daisy

Leucanthemum vulgare

Delicate white blooms dot meadows like scattered starlight. Herbaceous perennial wildflower; common name: oxeye daisy.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open meadow light conditions, tolerates mild afternoon shade in hot climates
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Watering Water deeply when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; tolerate short periods of drought without significant stress
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Temperature Extremely cold hardy; withstands harsh winter temperatures and mild summer heat
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal leaves are spoon-shaped with toothed margins; stem leaves are narrower, clasping stems.
  • Flower: Composite heads with white ray florets and yellow disc florets, 5–7 cm in diameter.
  • Stem: Erect, slender green stems with fine, soft hairs.
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and bloom periods

Fertilization

Light balanced feed once monthly. Use diluted, low-nitrogen feed to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around plant bases every 3 months to boost soil calcium levels
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage extended flowering through late summer.
  • Cut back stems to ground level after the first autumn frost to prepare for winter dormancy.
  • Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes innocence and purity in traditional European folklore

Usage: Pollinator-friendly wildflower; supports bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects