Podcast Episode Details

Get To Know: Ox Eye Daisy

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Season 3 Episode 10

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How to Identify Ox-Eye Daisy

Key Characteristics

• Family: Asteraceae (same as chamomile, dandelion, yarrow)
• Height: 1–3 feet tall
• Leaves:
  • Basal leaves: Spoon-shaped, toothed
  • Upper leaves: Narrow, alternate, and clasp the stem
• Flowers:
  • 1.5–2.5 inches wide
  • Bright white petals (ray florets) surrounding a yellow central disc (disc florets)
  • Bloom from late spring to early fall
• Habitat: Meadows, roadsides, pastures, open woods; very common across North America and Europe

Lookalikes:

• Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum): Larger, cultivated version
• Chamomile: Smaller flowers, finely divided leaves, apple-like scent
• Scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum): Similar look, but finely dissected leaves

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Historical Uses of Ox-Eye Daisy

Traditional European Herbalism

• Used for centuries as a mild sedative, digestive aid, and cough remedy.
• Called “Moon Daisy” in old English herbal texts.
• Employed similarly to chamomile—particularly in treating whooping cough, asthma, and nervous complaints.

You can get ox eye daisy seeds HERE on Amazon through our affiliate link.

Medicinal Benefits of Ox-Eye Daisy

1. Respiratory Support

• Traditionally used to treat coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.
• Its astringent and expectorant qualities help clear mucus and soothe airways.

2. Nervine/Sedative

• Mild calming effect, similar to chamomile.
• Used for anxiety, headaches, and insomnia.

Published on 4 months, 1 week ago