Oxeye Daisy (Note: This is a perennial herb, not a tree)
Leucanthemum vulgare · Herbaceous Perennial
Plant Family
Asteraceae
Tree Category
Wildflower / Weed
Variety / Cultivar
Common (Wild Type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9; highly adaptable to various climates and soil types.
About This Tree
An erect, rhizomatous perennial herb reaching 1-3 feet in height. It features unbranched stems topped by solitary flower heads with white ray florets and yellow disc florets.
Leaf Characteristics
Basal leaves are spoon-shaped and lobed; stem leaves are alternate, narrow, and often sessile with coarsely toothed margins.
Bark Characteristics
Not applicable (Herbaceous stem); stems are smooth to slightly hairy, green to purplish, and lack woody bark.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and temperate Asia; widely naturalized in North America and Australia.
Growing Season
Perennial; typically sprouts in early spring, flowers from late spring through mid-summer, and enters dormancy in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Adapts to Full Sun to Partial Shade; prefers moderate moisture but is highly drought-tolerant once established.
Mature Size
Height: 1-3 feet; Spread: 1-2 feet; Growth Rate: Fast via seeds and creeping rhizomes.
Special Characteristics
Highly invasive in some regions; considered a noxious weed in several US states. Known for its classic daisy appearance and persistence in meadows.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and beetles. However, it can displace native forage plants for livestock and native meadow species.