Ox-Eye Daisy
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum

Other Names: Daisy, Oxeye, Oxeye Daisy, White Oxeye, Dog Daisy, Goldens, Marguerite, Moon Daisy, Maudlin Daisy, Field Daisy, Dun Daisy, Butter Daisy, Horse Daisy

Habitat: (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) Perennial alien, believed to have originated in Europe and Russian Asia. Now found throughout the world. Commonly in grassy fields, roadsides and waste places, avoiding acid soils and shade. Cultivation: Ox-Eye Daisy is easily grown in a good garden soil in a sunny position. It prefers a rich soil, divide roots in spring or autumn. Growing from 1 to 3 feet high. The root is matted and somewhat creeping. The stems, hard and wiry, very slightly branched. The leaves are small and coarsely toothed, near the base, are somewhat rounder in form than those on the stem, and are on long stalks, those on the stem are stalkless. White flower-heads bloom in May to June, yellow centred, up to 3 inches across. Gather entire plant as flowers bloom, dry for later herb use. Gather young edible shoots as soon as they reach 3 to 4 inches.

Properties: Ox-Eye Daisy is edible and medicinal. Young spring shoots are edible, finely chopped and sparingly added to salads, said to be strong and bitter, young leaves are cooked as a pot herb. The whole plant, and especially the flowers, used as a medicinal herb is antispasmodic, antitussive, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, tonic, nervine and vulnerary. Constituents include Essential oils, Tannin, Saponins, Mucilag, Bitter Principle and Flavones. It has much of the same properties of Chamomile. The flowers are balsamic and make a medicinal infusion for relieving chronic coughs and for bronchial problems. The herb is used in the treatment of whooping cough, asthma and nervous excitability. The root is used successfully for stopping the night-sweats of pulmonary consumption. Externally, it is used as a medicinal lotion for wounds, bruises, and ulcers. A distilled water made from the flowers is an effective eye lotion in the treatment of conjunctivitis.

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Folklore: There is an old tradition connecting it with the Thunder God, and hence it is sometimes spoken of as the 'Dun Daisy.' The ancients dedicated it to Artemis, the goddess of women, considering it useful in women's complaints. In Christian days, it was transferred to St. Mary Magdalen and called Maudelyn or Maudlin Daisy after her.

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Medicinal tea: To 1 tsp. dried, crushed flowers add 1 cup boiling water, steep for 10 min. strain and sweeten to taste.

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