English Daisy

Bellis perennis L.

Family: Asteraceae

Cool Season
Spring Bloom
Pollinator Plant
Can Escape Into Lawns

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, sap/juice, seeds, stems

Preparation

Not a food plant; no preparation guidance is given. NC State says toxicity depends on age, plant part, amount and individual sensitivity, and advises asking a medical professional.

Hazard type

saponins, oxalates and tannins; if eaten the source lists constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy (severity listed as Medium); can also cause skin irritation (contact dermatitis)

Hazard route

ingestion and skin

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No source we checked assesses this plant for pets, so the app makes no pet claim either way.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants called daisy. To tell them apart: 'Daisy' is shared by many unrelated plants.. Most of them are non-toxic on ASPCA; English daisy is not one of them.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4a-8b (NC State); RHS hardiness H7
Light: Full sun to part shade; sun with afternoon shade in warm climates
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: Height 3-6 in, width 3-9 in (NC State). RHS: up to 10 cm tall.
Where it comes from: Europe (NC State); naturalized in parts of the US, Canada, Asia, Hawaii and New Zealand.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon