Bellis perennis
| Bellis perennis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 4 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 0.5' |
| Width: | 0.5' |
| Blooms: | Mid Winter-Early Winter |
| Meadows | |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Bellis perennis (common name: daisy)
Propagation: Seed - sow as soon as the seed is ripe in June. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late summer[1].
Division after flowering[1]. Very easy, it can be done at almost any time of the year, though spring and early summer are best[K]. The divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions.
Cultivation: Succeeds in most well-drained soils in sun or semi-shade[2][1].
The daisy is commonly found growing in many lawns, some varieties have been developed for the flower garden[3]. It is a good plant for the spring meadow[4].
The plants have a very long flowering season, they will even produce a few flowers in the middle of mild winters[K].
Range: Most of Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia.
Habitat: A common plant of meadows, lawns and other grassy areas, it is very frequently found growing in lawns[5].
Edibility: Leaves - raw or cooked[6][7][8][9]. The flavour is somewhat acrid[10]. A pleasant sour flavour according to another report[11] whilst a third says that they are mild and agreeable and are used in salads[12]. The daisy is occasionally used as a potherb[13].
Flower buds and petals - raw[14][13]. Eaten in sandwiches, soups and salads[13].
Medicinal: Daisies are a popular domestic remedy with a wide range of applications[7]. They are a traditional wound herb[11] and are also said to be especially useful in treating delicate and listless children[7]. Recent research (1994) has been looking at the possibility of using the plant in HIV therapy[11]. The herb is mildly anodyne, antispasmodic, antitussive, demulcent, digestive, emollient, expectorant, laxative, ophthalmic, purgative and tonic[7][15][16]. The fresh or dried flowering heads are normally used[15]. An infusion is used in the treatment of catarrh, rheumatism, arthritis, liver and kidney disorders, as a blood purifier etc[15].
The daisy once had a great reputation as a cure for fresh wounds[10]. An ointment made from the leaves is applied externally to wounds, bruises etc[10][17] whilst a distilled water is used internally to treat inflammatory disorders of the liver[10]. Chewing the fresh leaves is said to be a cure for mouth ulcers[18]. Daisies also have a reputation for effectiveness in treating breast cancers[7].
The flowers and leaves are normally used fresh in decoctions, ointments and poultices[11].
A strong decoction of the roots has been recommended for the treatment of scorbutic complaints and eczema, though it needs to be taken for some time before its effect becomes obvious[18]. A mild decoction may ease complaints of the respiratory tract, rheumatic pains and painful or heavy menstruation[18].
The plant, harvested when in flower, is used as a homeopathic remedy[17]. Its use is especially indicated in the treatment of bruising etc[17].
Usage: An insect repellent spray can be made from an infusion of the leaves[19].
Pollinators: Bees, flies, beetles, self
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Seed Ripens: Late Spring-Mid Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Baines, Chris. Making a Wildlife Garden.
- ↑ Clapham, Arthur and Tom Tootin, Edmund Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, 1962.
- ↑ Hedrick, Ulysses. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications, 1972.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ Larkcom, Joy. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn, 1980.
- ↑ Sowerby, John. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. 1862.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ Les Ecologistes de l'Euzière. Les Salades Sauvages. 1994.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Cribb, Alan and Joan Cribb. Wild Food in Australia. Fontana, 1976.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Launert, Edmund. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn, 1981.
- ↑ Lust, John. The Herb Book. Bantam Books, 1983.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Castro, Miranda. The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. Macmillan, 1990.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Phillips, Roger. Herbs. Pan Books, 1990.
- ↑ Schery. Robert. Plants for Man. Prentice Hall, 1972.