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Daisy

Bellis perennis

Months

A Daisy close up

‘The daisy is a happy flower, And comes at early spring, And brings with it the sunny hour, When bees are on the wing.’ – John Clare, “The Daisy”

A common sight across the UK, daisies are a delightful sign that spring has arrived and summer is on its way.

Each flower has a rosette of small, thin white petals surrounding a bright yellow centre. These are supported by a single stem which grows from a group of dark green rounded leaves. The petals can sometimes be tinged with pink.

Habitat

Short grassland and meadows.

Distribution

Very common. Found on grassy areas across the UK.

Did you know?

  • It’s not just one flower, but actually over 100 flowers! Each of the delicate white petals is actually an individual flower, with one extra long white petal-like strap. The yellow centre is made of hundreds of tiny flowers.
  • The name ‘daisy’ derives from ‘day’s eye’ – referring to this humble wildflower’s tendency to open when the sun rises and close when it sets.
  • Daisy’s have often been used to make ‘daisy chains’ by joining the flowers and stalks and then into pretty necklaces and bracelets.
  • The down-to-earth nature of daisies is reflected in language: “daisy roots” is slang for “boots” and “kicking up the daisies” is a term used describe those who have given up gardening once and for all.
Many daisies

Daisies in a clump

Daisies in a lawn

Common Daisy, image by Trevor Dines

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