Shasta daisy

Leucanthemum x superbum

Pollinator Plant
Drought Tolerant
Deer Resistant
Rabbit Resistant

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

Flowers, Leaves, Roots, Stems

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

ingestion irritant, skin irritant

Hazard route

Ingestion causes mouth irritation, vomiting, diarrhea; skin irritation from handling (NC State). Toxic principle listed: sesquiterpene lactones and pyrethrins.

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

Toxic to pets at the scope stated in the source line. Keep it away from dogs and cats. Scope of the source: species (NC State pet tags).

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

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.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 5-9 (Illinois Extension and NC State).
Light: Full sun to very light shade (Illinois); full sun to part shade (NC State).
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide (NC State); Illinois: 1 to 3 feet tall. Spacing: NC State lists available space of 12 inches to 6 feet.
Family: Asteraceae (NC State Extension)
Where it comes from: Garden hybrid, not native anywhere; developed by Luther Burbank in the 1890s in California (NC State Extension).