Oxeye Daisy

Oxeye daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L. Sunflower family
Key identifying traits Has daisy flowers- white ray flowers are 1"-2" across with yellow disk flowers in the center Flowers are solitary at the end of branches Leaves are progressively reduced in size upward on the erect stems Leaves also vary from lobed margins on lower leaves to merely toothed on upper leaf margins Seeds are small black and shiny with ten ribs Biology and ecology Erect perennial growing 1-2 feet tall Spreads by seed and shallow, branched rhizomes-often found in patches because of rhizome spread Found in high meadows, pastures and rangeland and roadsides Not readily grazed but can cause off-flavor milk and reduces grazing capacity Sometimes used as an ornamental Control Prevention – Learn to identify plants; know your property; beware of fill dirt, hay and seed from outside your area-avoid invasive ornamentals Biological – None known at this time Cultural – Nitrogen fertilizer greatly enhances ability of grasses to out-compete this weed Mechanical – Repeated tillage or digging will eventually eliminate rhizomes Chemical – refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook for specific chemical recommendations listed in the turf section


*Where found –* Frequently found in high mountain meadows such as on the Colville National Forest and in relatively high elevation pastures and hay ground, particularly if the nitrogen level in the soil is deficient for good crop production. MSdoc pdf