ENVS 605
Oxeye Daisy
Leucanthemum vulgare
What is it?
Oxeye daisy is a flowering plant that is native to Europe and Asia, and was introduced to North America. Oxeye daisy is a grassland perennial wildflower that typically grows in meadows, field, open-canopy forests, and disturbed areas. Oxeye daisy’s bloom from late spring through to the fall, and can grow in a variety of conditions, preferring sun to partial shade and damp soils.
Why is it a problem?
Oxeye daisies form dense colonies, which can displace native species and alter the plant community. Oxeye daisies are considered to be a noxious weed and spread from rhizomes, which makes them difficult to control. Cattle typically will not eat oxeye daisies, which also enables them to spread.
Management Techniques:
After oxeye daisy has been established, mowing, chemical herbicide applications, and grazing can control populations. Continuous mowing and treatment is needed as soon as flowers appear because their seeds can last many years.
What can we do?
The most effective method for controlling this noxious weed is education, and prevention. It is designated as a “List B” species in the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. It is required to be either eradicated, contained, or suppressed depending on the local infestation. Being able to identify whether or not a plant is oxeye daisy is important, as well as encouraging landowners to mow or pull them as soon as they begin to bloom.
General Information on Oxeye Daisy:
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PDF, Invasive Species Report giving information on impacts, consequences, adaptive management techniques and alternative for Oxeye Daisy.
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PDF, Best Management Practices and weed profile for Oxeye Daisy
Colorado State University Extension
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PDF, that provides information on identification and management techniques.
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PDF, identification, biology and integrated management of Oxeye Daisy
Colorado Weed Management Association
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Website provides information on identification, impacts, habitat, biology, control, and more resources for further information.
