Edge/ Ox-eye Daisy

COMMON NAME: Ox-eye Daisy

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Goldenseal, White Weed, Golden Daisy, Herb Margaret, Maudlinwort, Maudlin Daisy, Great Ox-eye

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Chrysanthemum leucanthemum

FAMILY: Asteraceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized native of Eurasia

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT:  8 to 32 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Mid-May to November

FRUITING TIME: Late June to November

DISTRIBUTION: Throughout North America ~ Statewide in NJ but infrequent in Pine Barrens

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Stem erect, simple or divided into numerous oblong 1-headed branches ~ Low rosette of leaves the first year, leaves tough, compound, irregularly lobed, smooth ~ Flower central disk yellow, depressed in middle, young flowers white

GENERAL INFORMATION: The 1998 edition of the Physician’s Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines reports that Ox-eye Daisy can be used like Chamomile--to treat common cold, cough/bronchitis, fever, inflammation of the skin, mouth and pharynx, liver an gallbladder complains, loss of appetite, wounds and burns. The name “daisy” is the “day’s eye” and was named by the Anglo-Saxons--daeges eye.  It was given because the small pink and white English Daisy closes at nightfall and opens again at sunrise.  Thus, it is the eye of the day. Folklore tells that if one dreams of daisies in the spring or summer, it’s a sign of good luck.  To dream of daisies in fall or winter is a sign of bad luck.  If one eats the roots of daisies, they will stunt growth but if one eats three heads of daisies after having a tooth pulled, one will never have a toothache again. The name “Maudlinwort” refers to Mary Magdelen and the plant was, at one time, considered useful for “women’s complaints”.

      
Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.