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Class B Noxious Weed

Oxeye Daisy
Leucanthemum vulgare

 

Other common names:  white daisy, whiteweed, field daisy, marguerite, poorland flower
Plant family:
Compositae (Asteraceae)
Year listed: 2000?
Native to: Europe

Why is it a noxious weed?

Oxeye daisy aggressively invades fields, where it forms dense populations, thus decreasing plant species diversity. Oxeye daisy is a weed of 13 crops in 40 countries, causing particular problems in pastures. It invades crop land where it decreases crop yield.

 

How would I identify it?

General Description: Oxeye daisy is a perennial herb, 1 to 3 feet tall, with shallow, branched
rhizomes and adventitious roots. The entire plant has a disagreeable odor when crushed

Leaves:

  • alternate
  • lance shaped
  • coarse teeth

Flowers:

  • showy
  • white rays
  • bright yellow disk in the middle
  • 1 - 2 inches in diameter

Stems:

Line drawings are taken from 1,000 Weeds of North America, copyright of XID Service, Inc and used with permission. Permission granted by the author.

How does it reproduce?

Oxeye daisy can spread both vegetatively and by seed.

Where does it grow?

Oxeye daisy is found in grasslands, overgrazed pastures, waste areas, meadows, railroad rights-of-way, and
roadsides.

What is the distribution in Washington State?

 

 

 

Click on map to enlarge.

 

  • Distribution map is based on 2003 data.

How do I control it?

General control methods:

Cultural:  Because of its shallow root system, oxeye daisy is easily killed by intensive cultivation.

Herbicide: Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook, or contact your county noxious weed coordinator.

Mechanical: In pastures, mowing as soon as the first flowers open can eliminate seed production. However, mowing may stimulate shoot production and subsequent flowering in areas with adequate growing seasons

Biological: None known.

Are there plants that may be confused with Oxeye daisy ?

There are many plants referred to by common name as a daisy. Be careful of wildflower seed mixes. If you need help with plant identification,  contact your county noxious weed coordinator.

For more information

For more information, download our Written Findings.

 

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Oxeye daisy plant Oxeye daisy infestation.

 Last updated July 23, 2008