Bellis perennis
Record ID:95Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Bellis perennis |
| Common Names: | Common Daisy, Lawn Daisy, Bruisewort |
| Key Name: | English Daisy |
| Parts Used: | Flowers, leaves, roots |
| Sister Plants: | Bellis sylvestris, Leucanthemum vulgare, Chrysanthemum indicum |
| Comments: | Perennial herb attractive to early-season pollinators; thrives in lawns and grassy areas |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Perennial (2-6 in), low rosette stem, spoon-shaped leaves, white or pink daisy-like flowers with yellow centers (0.5-1 in), blooming spring to early summer |
| Stem: | Low rosette, 2-6 in, green |
| Leaves: | Spoon-shaped, 1-4 inches, slightly hairy, dark green |
| Flowers: | White or pink daisy-like flowers, 0.5-1 in, with yellow centers, blooming March-June |
| Fruit: | Small achenes, 1-2 mm, ribbed |
| Taste: | Bitter (leaves), mild (flowers) |
| Odour: | Mild, grassy scent from flowers |
| Root: | Fibrous root system |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.5S8ziW7qbjZwicyNQ7oq-AHaHa%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=829c70182605a097069285cb1d8dacfc3abc2952a80683a86b72d2925712e03a&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Native to Europe, naturalized in North America and elsewhere |
| Cultivation: | Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil; sow seeds in spring or fall; space 6-12 inches apart; water moderately |
| Harvest: | Flowers: Spring to early summer (March-June); Leaves: Spring |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, expectorant |
| Medical Uses: | Used for bruises, inflammation, urinary issues, and coughs; flowers for tea, leaves for poultices |
| Constituents: | Tannins, saponins, flavonoids, volatile oils |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture) |
| Dosage: | Infusion: 1 tsp dried flowers/leaves in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Tincture: 1-2 mL three times daily |
| Administration: | Internal: Infusion or tincture; External: Poultice |
| Formulas: | |
| Contra Indications: | May cause mild allergic reactions; avoid during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider |
| Preparation: | Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried flowers/leaves in hot water 10 min; Poultice: Crush fresh leaves |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for minor wounds or calming effects in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | 1 |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Nectar-rich, attracts bees, early-season pollinators |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Ornamental, ground cover |
| Culinary Uses: | Flowers and leaves edible in salads (use sparingly) |
| History: | Used in European folk medicine since ancient times; symbol of innocence in Victorian culture |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS |
| URL: | https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Bellis+perennis |
| Share: | Private |