Oxeye Daisy(Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum Syn.Leucanthemum

Oxeye Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum syn. Leucanthemum vulgare) Provincial Designation: Noxious

Overview: Identification: Introduced from Europe in the early 1800’s Stems: Multiple, un-branched stems grow up primarily as a grass seed contaminant, and to 1 m tall and are smooth, frequently grooved subsequently spread as an ornamental, and generally hairless. Oxeye daisy has become a serious invader Leaves: Basal and lower leaves are lance- of pastures and natural areas throughout shaped with “toothed” margins and petioles North America. It is a perennial herb that that may be as long as the leaves. The upper reproduces both by seed and shallow leaves are alternately arranged, narrow, and rhizomes. Single plants quickly become stalkless with wavy margins. Leaves progres- patches that continually increase in size. sively decrease in size upward on the stem. Control: Plants flower June-August and its seed Flowers: Flowers are borne singly at the end germinates throughout the growing season. of stems and can be up to 5 cm in diameter, Grazing: Not grazed. Livestock may physically Oxeye Daisy and the very similarly flowered with yellow centers, and 20 to 30 white petals damage oxeye plants by trampling under high Scentless Chamomile can be considered radiating from the center. The petals are slightly stocking rates, but the subsequent overgrazing conspicuous, as there are no native white notched at the tip. of desirable vegetation and soil disturbance will flowered daisies in Alberta. worsen the infestation. Plants consumed by Seed: Individual plants can produce over 500 dairy cattle can give the milk an off-flavour. flat, black seeds that are viable in the soil for Habitat: 2-3 years or more. Seeds have no dormancy Cultivation: Because of its shallow root It grows in a wide range of environmental requirement and are viable upon dispersal. system, oxeye daisy is easily killed by intensive conditions, and flourishes in nutrient poor cultivation. soils. It can mature, flower and produce Prevention: Mechanical: Repeated mowing prevents seed even at high elevations – 1000m or The availability of closely related plants through seed production, but also can stimulate re- 3000’. Prefers full sun but tolerates partial the nursery and seed trade contradicts the per- sprouting of stems. Hand-pulling or digging shade. ception of Oxeye as an invasive plant. Shasta before flowering is effective, but it is important daisy is a cultivar (originated from) of Oxeye to remove as much of the fibrous roots and and was originally sterile, but can revert back rhizomes as possible. Repeated efforts will be to being fertile. Oxeye plants can be found sold required – both throughout the growing season through nurseries and as seed and in subsequent years. in wildflower mixes. The two Chemical:1 Several herbi- plants can cross breed, result- cides are effective at control- ing in an invasive hybrid that ling Oxeye when applied to ac- is difficult to distinguish from tively growing plants up to the either parent. This fact makes flowering stage. Gylphosate, public awareness critical to 2,4-D and dicamba can be used prevention and control. Do not – picloram can provide very purchase nursery plants or good control when used on the seed labelled as Oxeye daisy. proper soil types. Consult your Consumers should carefully local Agricultural Fieldman or read the contents of so-called Certified Pesticide Dispenser ‘wildflower’ seed mixes and for more information. avoid those containing invasive ornamentals. Healthy, fertilized Biological: None researched grass pastures are resistant to to date. invasion.

1 Always follow the product labels. The use of pesticides in any manner not published on the label or registered under the Minor Use of Pesticides regulation constitutes an offence under both the Federal Pest Control Products Act and Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.