Ox-Eye Daisy
Leucanthemum vulgare
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 02AD — Leucanthemum vulgare
Leucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgareLeucanthemum vulgare
IOverview
Overview
The Ox-Eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to light soils and can be found across Europe, parts of Asia, and some regions of North America. Native to the Altay, Amur, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and other European countries, this plant has spread widely due to its adaptability. Known for its edible leaves, roots, and shoots, it is often used in salads or as a cooked vegetable. One distinctive feature of the Ox-Eye Daisy is its large white petals surrounding a yellow center, making it a popular ornamental plant in gardens. Its light requirements are moderate, and it prefers soil pH between 5.2 and 7, thriving in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a hardiness range of 3 to 9.
Quick answers
What is Ox-Eye Daisy?
The Ox-Eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to light soils and can be found across Europe, parts of Asia, and some regions of North America.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Ox-Eye Daisy thrives in light to medium soil and prefers a pH between 5.2 and 7. It is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 3 to 9. This perennial grows up to 0.6 meters tall and requires moist conditions, making it suitable for areas with adequate rainfall or regular watering. For best results, plant Ox-Eye Daisy in full sun to partial shade. Propagate through division of roots or by seed. Harvest edible parts such as leaves, shoots, and roots during the growing season.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
5.2–7
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Ox-Eye Daisy for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Ox-Eye Daisies in your garden to enjoy their beauty and simplicity.
- 1
What you'll need
Ox-Eye Daisy seeds or young plants, a trowel, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun. Prepare soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) with a pH between 5.2 and 7.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost has passed, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Keep weeds at bay with a light mulch.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells, and fertilize sparingly in early spring. Divide plants every 3-4 years for best growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting division, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: The Ox-Eye Daisy can be eaten, with its leaves, roots, and shoots being the edible parts. Typically, these are prepared fresh or dried but not commonly used in cooking due to their bitter taste. Skip culinary recipes; instead, consider using them for herbal teas or infusions where their mild flavor is more appreciated.
Other uses:Ground coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)IranKazakhstan
Broader regions
native:Amur, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Altay
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 02ad5069-8ea5-429b-a2c8-02c45978ea23
Decision aid
Choosing between Ox-Eye Daisy and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.