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Bellis perennis (), the daisy, is a European species of the family Asteraceae, often considered the archetypal species of the name daisy. To distinguish this species from other plants known as daisies, it is sometimes qualified or known as common daisy, lawn daisy or English daisy.
The inflorescence are composite, about in diameter, in the form of a pseudanthium, consisting of many sessile flowers with white ray florets (often tipped red) and yellow disc florets. Each inflorescence is borne on a single leafless stem , rarely tall. The capitulum, or disc of florets, is surrounded by two rows of green bracts known as "phyllaries". The achenes are without pappus.Parnell, J. and Curtis. 2012. Webb's An Irish Flora. Cork University Press
The name "daisy", possibly originating with this plant, is considered a corruption of "day's eye", because the whole head closes at night and opens in the morning. Geoffrey Chaucer called it "eye of the day". In medieval times, Bellis perennis or the English Daisy was commonly known as "Mary's Rose". The Plant-Lore and Garden-Craft of Shakespeare, by Henry Nicholson Ellacombe. W. Satchell and Company, London, 1884
Historically, the plant has also been widely known as bruisewort, and occasionally woundwort (although this name is now more closely associated with the genus Stachys). It is also known as bone flower.
It can generally be grown where minimum temperatures are above , in full sun to partial shade conditions, and requires little or no maintenance. It has no known serious insect or disease problems and can generally be grown in most well-drained soils. The plant may be propagated either by seed after the last frost, or by division after flowering.
Though not native to the United States, the species is still considered a valuable ground cover in certain garden settings (e.g., as part of English or cottage inspired gardens, as well as spring meadows where low growth and some colour is desired in parallel with minimal care and maintenance while helping to crowd out once established and naturalised).
Numerous single- and double-flowered varieties are in cultivation, producing flat or spherical blooms in a range of sizes () and colours (red, pink and white). They are generally grown from seed as biennial plant bedding plants. They can also be purchased as plugs in spring.
It has been reported to be mostly self-fertilizing, but some plants may be self-sterile.
B. perennis has astringent properties and has been used in herbal medicine.Howard, Michael (1987). Traditional Folk Remedies. Century, p. 129.
Daisies have traditionally been used for making daisy chains in children's games.
The daisy is the national flower of the Netherlands.
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