The Quiet Charm of the Oxeye Daisy
I often think back to childhood summer days on Anglesey where I grew up —sat in the long grass on a summer’s day, the sun warm on myface, surrounded by the nodding white heads of Oxeye Daisys.
Known affectionately across Britain as Moon Daisy, Dog Daisy, or Marguerite, the Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is one of our most familiar wildflowers. Though often confused with the smaller common daisy (Bellis perennis), the Oxeye Daisy has a beauty and character all its own.
In this piece, I’ll share a few facts and bits of folklore about this timeless bloom—and explain why it holds a special place in my painting practice.
Solstice Song 80×80cms
Identifying the Oxeye Daisy
Oxeye Daisies are easy to spot in the British countryside. They usually flower between May and July, bringing brightness to meadows, verges, and even neglected patches of land. They’re particularly fond of sunny, open spaces, and though some may label them weeds, I prefer to think of them as quietly resilient.
Their structure is simple but elegant: white petals surrounding a golden-yellow centre, supported by a tall, slender stem. At the base, they form a rosette of spoon-shaped leaves. What appears to be a single flower is, in fact, a composite—many tiny florets gathered into one central disc, a feature that makes them especially attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Though similar in appearance to the common daisy, Oxeye Daisies are noticeably larger—often measuring around five centimetres across. When grouped together, they create a striking sea of white, especially in early summer when they’re at their peak.
Solstice Gold 80×100 cms
Folklore and Traditional Uses
In British folklore, the Oxeye Daisy has long been associated with innocence, purity, and new beginnings. Its nickname Moon Daisy is thought to come from the way its white petals seem to glow at dusk—giving it a quiet, otherworldly beauty that has inspired poets and artists alike.
In old country traditions, young women would place a daisy under their pillow to dream of their future husband. The familiar petal-pulling rhyme—“He loves me, he loves me not”—has its roots in European folk customs, including in parts of rural England, where daisies were used for love divination and fortune-telling.
Oxeye Daisies were also valued in herbal medicine. Infusions made from the flower were used to ease coughs, treat respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis, and soothe digestive troubles. Though largely forgotten today, these gentle remedies reflect a time when plants and flowers played a vital role in everyday healthcare.
Solstice Time 80×100cms
Sometimes, in the simplest forms of nature—bathed in that soft, flowing light—we find a deeper sense of connection and belonging than we ever expected.
This June (2025) I’m in Cornwall painting the hedgerows and wildflowers of the coastal paths. I’m sure Oxeye Dasies will feature in this new collection!
My latest paintings are on my available work page.
More from the blog …
Buttercups: The Art and Science
Knapweed, Nature’s Resilient Marvel