Common Daisy

Description:

A common European species of daisy, of the Asteraceae family, often considered the archetypal species of that name. It is an herbaceous perennial plant with short creeping rhizomes and small rounded or spoon-shaped rosetted of leaves that are from 3/4 to 2 inches (approx. 2–5 cm) long and grow flat to the ground. The species habitually colonises lawns, and is difficult to eradicate by mowing - hence the term 'lawn daisy'. Wherever it appears it is often considered an invasive weed. The flowerheads are 3/4 to 1-1/4 in (approx. 2–3 cm) in diameter, with white ray florets (often tipped red) and yellow disc florets. Although the 'flower' may appear to consist of a yellow centre with white petals, this is not the case. Each individual "petal" is itself an individual flower, called asterales. In the centre there are many tiny yellow flowers also. The different colours and styles of flower work together in order to attract insects. This type of flower is known as a composite flower. They are produced on leafless stems 3/4 - 4 in (approx. 2–10 cm), rarely 6 in (approx. 15 cm) tall.

Habitat:

Native to western, central and northern Europe, but widely naturalised in most temperate regions including the Americas and Australasia.

Notes:

Margarida-comum (Portuguese)