English daisy  (Bellis perennis)

English daisy is a low-growing perennial. It is found in most of California, particularly in the northwestern, central-western, and southwestern regions, to an elevation of 660 feet (about 200 m). It has escaped cultivation as an ornamental and is primarily a weed of turf, occasionally inhabiting moist grassy areas.

Seedling

Cotyledons (seed leaves) are oval to nearly round, hairless, less than 1/8 of an inch (roughly 0.3 cm) long, and have stalks that elongate over time. Leaves are alternate to  one another along the stem. The first and next few leaves are spoon shaped and hairless, with smooth to finely scalloped edges or sharp-toothed edges.

Mature plant

Mature English daisy plants grow prostrate and reach 8 inches (about 20 cm) in length. Leaves are egg/spoon shaped with a rounded tip and form basal rosettes. Leaf and stalk surfaces are sparsely to moderately covered with soft hairs. Leaf edges are smooth to finely scalloped or toothed.

Flowers

Flowers bloom from March though September. Flower heads are showy. Their outer  white or pinkish “petals” are actually small ray flowers and their yellow centers consist of tiny disc flowers. They grow at the top of upright, leafless stalks that are covered with stiff hairs.

Fruits

Fruits are one seeded and lance shaped, flattened, yellowish brown, and hairless.

Reproduction

English daisy reproduces from seed and from creeping, underground horizontal stems (rhizomes).

More information

• Broadleaf ID illustration
• Calflora's distribution map
• For agriculture: UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines