Invasive Species: Leucanthemum vulgare, Oxeye Daisy
Oxeye daisy is an invasive perennial that can reach from 1 to 3 ft. (0.3 to 1 m) in height. A single plant can produce from one to 40 flowering stems. Leaves are 1 to 4 in. (2.5 to 10 cm) long, toothed (or lobed), and decrease in size closer to the apex of the stem. Basal leaves are spoon-shaped and petiolate. Flowering occurs all summer, when daisy-like flower heads develop. Each flower head can produce up to 200 flat seeds that are 0.08 in. (2 mm) long. Oxeye daisy is native to Europe and was introduced into the United States as an ornamental in the 1800s. The plants have been shown to carry several crop diseases. Oxeye daisy can thrive in a wide variety of soil types and can grow in sun to partial shade.
What are invasive species and why should we be concerned about them?
Taxonomy: Scientific and Common Names for This Species
Asterales > Asteraceae > Leucanthemum vulgare Lam.
Synonym(s): ox-eye daisy
Leucanthemum vulgare – USDA PLANTS Profile
Distribution Maps
Oxeye daisy – The reported distribution of this invasive species across the United States (Source: Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States)
Up-to-the-minute distribution maps and why they are important
Reporting This Invasive Species
What is the best way and place to report the occurrence of an invasive species?
How to report an invasive species sighting to EDDMapS – Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System
EDDMapS – Report an invasive species to EDDMapS.
Cooperative Extension Offices – Find your local Cooperative Extension office on this map provided by USDA.
How to Identify
This invasive species can be identified by looking for the characteristics described in the paragraphs that follow.
Plant
Oxeye daisy is a perennial that can reach from 1 to 3 ft. (0.3 to 1 m) in height. A single plant can produce from one to 40 flowering stems.
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| Forest & Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, bugwood.org | Pedro Tenorio-Lezama, bugwood.org |
Foliage
Leaves are 1 to 4 in. (2.5 to 10 cm) long, toothed (or lobed), and decrease in size closer to the apex of the stem. Basal leaves are spoon-shaped and petiolate.
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| Montana Statewide Noxious Weed Awareness and Education Program Archive, Montana State University, bugwood.org | Steve Dewey, Utah State University, bugwood.org |
Flower
Flowering occurs all summer, when daisy-like flower heads develop.
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| Dave Powell, USDA Forest service, bugwood.org | Keith Weller, USDA Agricultural Research Service, bugwood.org |
Fruit
Each flower head can produce up to 200 flat seeds that are 0.08 in. (2 mm) long.
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| Ken Chamberlain, Ohio State University, bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
Native Species That Can Resemble Oxeye Daisy
– Images at invasive.org
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
– Images at invasive.org
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
Additional Images for Oxeye Daisy
Oxeye daisy – Images at Invasive.org
Additional Information, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Control and management recommendations vary according to individual circumstances. Location, habitat, weather, and a variety of other conditions are factors that help determine the best treatment choice. To find the safest and most effective treatment for your situation, consult your state’s land-grant institution. If you will use chemicals as part of the control process, always refer to the product label.
United States Land-Grant University System – Find your land-grant university’s college of agriculture, Cooperative Extension office, or other related partner on this map provided by USDA.
Weeds – TahoeInvasiveWeeds.org
Invasive Weeds of Juneau – Juneau Cooperative Weed Management Area
Invasive Species Technical Note – USDA, NRCS
Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium – University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
Invasives Database – TexasInvasives.org
Plant profiles – California Invasive Plant Council
Species Bio – National Park Service
Alaska Natural Heritage Program – University of Alaska Anchorage