Terrestrial invasive species

Nature

Most of these invasive plant factsheets are created from the booklet Minnesota invasive non-native terrestrial plants, an identification guide for resource managers.

Check the additional resources and herbicides table for more information.

Oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)



Description:

Appearance: Perennial herbaceous plant, thin 1- 2' tall stems typically branch above to produce two or more flower heads; smells like sage. It is the only large white daisy that has escaped gardens.

Leaves: Alternate, deeply cut and lobed.

Flowers: White daisies with yellow central disc, 2" across, bloom all summer.

Seeds: Tufted, dispersed by wind.

Roots: Spread vegetatively with horizontal stems growing below the soil surface, called rhizomes, forming roots and producing new plants.

Ecological Threat:

  • It is not a threat to intact prairies and savannas.
  • It frequently invades disturbed fields and meadows, competing with native plants, especially under grazing pressure.
  • Probably introduced as an ornamental from Europe and escaped to become one of the most common roadside weeds.

Control Methods:

Mechanical

Repeated pulling of small infestations is effective


Native Substitutes:

Additional Resources