Leucanthemum vulgare aka Ox Eye Daisy

Leucanthemum vulgare, also known as the ox-eye daisy, dog daisy, or marguerite, is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand. This pretty perennial flower has a central yellow eye surrounded by 20 to 30 white petals and can quickly invade areas of the landscape, making it necessary for some oxeye daisy control measures. However, it can also be useful as a ground cover or planted in perennial beds and borders. The herbaceous perennial plant comes back year after year from the roots and produces white and yellow flowers that bloom all summer. The stems can grow up to 1 meter tall, are smooth and frequently grooved, and sometimes branch near the top. The leaves progressively decrease in size upward on the stem and are lance-shaped with toothed margins, with the basal and lower leaves having petioles that may be as long as the leaves. The upper leaves are alternately arranged, narrow, and often clasp the stem with wavy margins. To control oxeye daisy, it is important to pull up or cut down the plant before it flowers and produces seeds. The plants have shallow root systems and are easy to pull, while mowing lawns that are infested with the plant regularly can prevent flowering. If herbicides are used, it is best to apply them after mowing as the leaves will have a broader surface area to absorb the chemical. Overall, Leucanthemum vulgare is a lovely, low-growing plant that can add beauty to gardens and landscapes, but it requires proper maintenance to prevent it from becoming invasive.