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Safety Overview
1.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Botanical Snapshot
Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as the Oxeye Daisy, is a widespread perennial herbaceous flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This iconic wildflower is indigenous to Europe and parts of Asia, and has naturalized across North America, thriving in a diverse range of habitats including meadows, roadsides, and disturbed areas. Botanically, it is characterized by its upright, often solitary flowering stems that typically reach heights between 30 and 90 centimeters. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem; basal leaves are spatulate to obovate with toothed or lobed margins and long stalks, while stem leaves become progressively smaller, sessile, and deeply divided into narrow, linear lobes higher up the stem.
The most striking feature of Leucanthemum vulgare is its solitary, daisy-like composite inflorescence, comprising numerous ray florets and disc florets. The 20 to 30 pure white, elongated, strap-shaped ray florets radiate outwards, resembling petals, each typically 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters long. The central disc florets are numerous, small, and typically yellowish, forming a dense, button-like center. The plant flowers profusely from late spring through summer, often extending into early autumn, attracting a wide array of pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Following pollination, the flower heads develop into small, dark, ribbed achenes. Leucanthemum vulgare is known for its resilience and adaptability, tolerating various soil types, from sandy to clayey, and preferring well-drained conditions. Despite its aesthetic appeal and widespread presence, it can be considered an agricultural weed due to its vigorous growth and ability to outcompete desirable crops, highlighting its robust ecological adaptability.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Leucanthemum Vulgare
1.1 Wikipedia — Leucanthemum Vulgare
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.1.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Highlights
- ✓Botanical Name — Leucanthemum vulgare.
- ✓Common Name — Oxeye Daisy, Moon Daisy, Marguerite.
- ✓Family — Asteraceae (Daisy family).
- ✓Appearance — White ray florets, yellow disc florets, on upright stems.
- ✓Habitat — Meadows, roadsides, disturbed areas.
- ✓Medicinal Actions — Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic.
- ✓Key Constituents — Flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, tannins.
- ✓Traditional Uses — Digestive aid, skin tonic, mild sedative.
- ✓Growth Habit — Perennial, can be invasive.
- ✓Pollinators — Attracts bees and butterflies.
1.2.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Concise Overview
- ✓Oxeye Daisy — Leucanthemum vulgare, a perennial wildflower.
- ✓Traditional Uses — Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, wound healing.
- ✓Key Compounds — Flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, tannins.
- ✓Cultivation — Easy to grow, but can be invasive; deadhead to control spread.
- ✓Safety — Avoid during pregnancy; potential for allergies in Asteraceae-sensitive individuals.
- ✓Benefits — Supports digestion, calms nerves, aids skin health.
2.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Botanical Identity
3.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Key Data
4.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Physical Description
5.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Native Range & Habitat
6.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Heritage Uses
7.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Chemical Profile
- ✓Flavonoids — Include apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin derivatives, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
- ✓Sesquiterpene lactones — Compounds like matricarin and chamomillin contribute to anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
- ✓Saponins — Possess foam-forming properties and may contribute to expectorant and mild diuretic activities.
- ✓Tannins — Provide astringent properties, useful for wound healing and tissue tightening.
- ✓Volatile oils — Although in small quantities, they contribute to the plant's aroma and potential mild antimicrobial effects.
- ✓Polysaccharides — Support immune modulation and possess demulcent properties.
- ✓Phenolic acids — Such as caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, offering antioxidant benefits.
- ✓Terpenoids — Contribute to various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and insecticidal properties.
- ✓Coumarins — May have mild anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- ✓Alkaloids — Present in trace amounts, their specific medicinal contributions are less understood.
- ✓Phytosterols — Contribute to cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects.
- ✓Carotenoids — Impart yellow coloration to the disc florets and act as antioxidants.
8.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Scientific Evidence
- ✓Anti-inflammatory properties — Traditionally used to alleviate inflammatory conditions due to the presence of flavonoids and sesquiterpenes.
- ✓Antispasmodic effects — May help relax smooth muscles, offering relief from cramps and spasms, particularly in the digestive tract.
- ✓Diuretic action — Promotes increased urine production, aiding in the detoxification process and supporting kidney function.
- ✓Astringent qualities — Contains tannins that can tighten tissues, useful for minor wounds, skin irritations, and reducing mild bleeding.
- ✓Mild sedative properties — Historically employed to calm nervous tension and promote relaxation, contributing to improved sleep.
- ✓Expectorant aid — May help clear respiratory passages by promoting the expulsion of mucus, useful in coughs and colds.
- ✓Wound healing support — Applied topically, its astringent and anti-inflammatory compounds can assist in minor wound care and skin regeneration.
- ✓Digestive aid — Traditionally used to soothe digestive upset, including mild indigestion and bloating.
- ✓Anthelmintic activity — Some traditional uses suggest efficacy against certain intestinal parasites.
- ✓Antipyretic potential — May help reduce fever, though this effect is generally mild and requires further scientific validation.
- ✓Skin soothing — Used in traditional remedies for its ability to calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
- ✓Antimicrobial effects — Certain compounds in the plant exhibit mild antimicrobial activity against various pathogens.
8.1.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Conditions Traditionally Used For
9.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Safety Considerations
9.1.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Side Effects & Warnings
- ✓Allergic reactions — May cause contact dermatitis or allergic rhinitis in sensitive individuals, especially those allergic to other Asteraceae family plants.
- ✓Photosensitivity — Rare, but some individuals might experience increased skin sensitivity to sunlight.
- ✓Gastrointestinal upset — High doses may lead to mild stomach discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea.
- ✓Uterine stimulant — Contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulating effects.
- ✓Cross-reactivity — Individuals with allergies to ragweed, marigolds, or chrysanthemums should exercise caution.
- ✓Drug interactions — Potential interactions with sedatives or anticoagulants due to mild effects on these systems.
- ✓Toxicity to pets — Considered toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested in large quantities, causing gastrointestinal distress.
9.2.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Toxicity Assessment
- ✓Pregnancy and Lactation — Avoid use during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulating effects; consult a healthcare professional during lactation.
- ✓Allergies — Individuals with known allergies to the Asteraceae family (daisies, ragweed, chamomile) should use with caution.
- ✓Children — Use in children should be under professional guidance due to lack of specific safety data.
- ✓Topical Use — Perform a patch test before extensive topical application to check for skin sensitivity or allergic reactions.
- ✓Internal Use — Adhere to recommended dosages; excessive intake may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
- ✓Invasive Species — While not a direct human safety concern, its invasive nature in some regions warrants careful management in gardens.
- ✓Veterinarian Consultation — Keep away from pets due to its moderate toxicity; seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
10.Leucanthemum Vulgare — Preparations & Uses
- ✓Herbal Tea (Infusion) — Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes; used for digestive upset, colds, or as a mild sedative.
- ✓Tincture — Macerate fresh or dried flowers in alcohol (e.g., vodka) for several weeks; taken internally for systemic effects.
- ✓Poultice — Crush fresh leaves or flowers and apply directly to minor wounds, skin irritations, or insect bites.
- ✓Compresses — Soak a cloth in a strong infusion of the flowers and apply topically to soothe irritated skin or reduce swelling.
- ✓Bath Additive — Add a strong infusion of the flowers to bathwater for a relaxing and skin-soothing experience.
- ✓Salve/Ointment — Infuse flowers in oil, then combine with beeswax to create a topical balm for skin conditions or minor injuries.
- ✓Gargle/Mouthwash — Use a cooled infusion as a gargle for sore throats or as a mild antiseptic mouthwash.
- ✓Culinary Use — Young leaves can be added to salads, offering a slightly bitter, peppery flavor; flowers can be used as edible garnishes.
11.Leucanthemum Vulgare — How to Grow
- ✓Site Selection — Prefers full sun to partial shade; ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- ✓Soil Preparation — Thrives in average, well-drained soil; tolerates various pH levels from acidic to neutral.
- ✓Planting — Direct sow seeds in spring after the last frost or in warmer climates, in the fall. Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep.
- ✓Watering — Keep young plants consistently moist; established plants are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering.
- ✓Fertilization — Generally does not require fertilization; excessive nitrogen can promote leaf growth over flowers.
- ✓Pruning — Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding, which can lead to invasiveness.
- ✓Propagation — Propagates readily from seeds or by dividing clumps every 2-3 years in early spring to maintain vigor.
- ✓Container Growing — Can be grown in large, heavy containers to manage its aggressive spread; requires more frequent watering than in-ground plants.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
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Important medical disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Do not use any herb to self-treat a medical condition without professional guidance.
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 15, 2026
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