©Chris Lawrence
©Rachel Scopes
©Gemma de Gouveia
Common daisy
Scientific name: Bellis perennis
He loves me, he loves me not' is a familiar rhyme associated with what is probably our most well-known plant: the common daisy. Its white-and-yellow flower heads brighten up lawns, verges and short turf almost everywhere.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Height: up to 10cmConservation status
Common.
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
Perhaps one of our most familiar flowers of all, the humble common daisy can be seen flowering almost all year-round. Its persistent and widespread growth, heralding the arrival of spring to our gardens, has resulted in children using its flowers to make necklaces (daisy chains) and adults desperately trying to rid their lawns of this so-called 'weed'.How to identify
The common daisy has spoon-shaped leaves that form a rosette at the base of the plant, close to the ground and among the short grass it favours. A single stem arises carrying the flower head - this is not just one flower, but a composite of a number of tiny flowers which make up the yellow disc in the middle ('disc florets') and the surrounding white 'ray florets' (which look just like petals).Distribution
Widespread.Did you know?
The petal-plucking game, 'He loves me; he loves me not', is thought to have started with the oxeye daisy, but is now a common children's activity using the ubiquitous common daisy. While thinking of a suitor, each petal is plucked until the answer of whether love is possible becomes apparent. However, each 'petal' is actually an individual flower as common daisies have composite flower heads, made up of lots of tiny flowers.
Bob Coyle
Our gardens are vital for wildlife
The UK's gardens provide more space for nature than all the National Nature Reserves put together.