Oxeye Daisy - Leucanthemum vulgare - Margueritte

This is perhaps one of the most-recognized flowers around (though there are quite a lot of flowers that go by the common name 'daisy'). Leucanthemum vulgare is native to Europe & Asia [1,2,3] and was introduced to North America in the 1800s as an ornamental plant [2,3]. I have very briefly posted about this plant before.

Leucanthemum vulgare inflorescence

Since its introduction, Leucanthemum vulgare has spread over most of North America (US range map here, Canada range map here). Although it is pretty, this species is listed as an invasive species in the US [4], and classified as a noxious weed both federally and in most provinces where it is found in Canada [5]. In Canada, the noxious weed classification indicates that the plant is invasive and disruptive of native plants and ecosystems on a large scale. I do not recommend this plant to gardeners.

Clump of Leucanthemum vulgare

Some parts of this plant are edible [3,6]; I have eaten the young leaves before and they are rather spicy/carroty.

Leucanthemum vulgare inflorescence

This species is pollinated by bees, flies, beetles, wasps, and butterflies [2].