Story of the Weeds: Ox-eye Daisy
Weed Name and Identification
Common Name: Ox-eye Daisy
Scientific Name: Leucanthemum vulgare
This familiar wildflower might look charming, but in pastures and degraded grasslands, Ox-eye Daisy can be a sign your soil is struggling. It features white daisy-like flowers with yellow centers, long spoon-shaped leaves, and can grow up to 1 metre tall. It spreads through both seed and creeping rhizomes, making it a persistent invader once established.
What It Indicates About Soil
Ox-eye Daisy tends to thrive in:
Acidic soils (low pH)
Low-fertility areas, especially those lacking nitrogen
Overgrazed or disturbed pastures
Compacted or biologically depleted soils
Its presence often signals that soil health and pasture diversity have broken down.
““Oxeye daisy is often associated with overgrazed pastures or areas with reduced competition from desirable vegetation.””
Ecological Role
Ox-eye Daisy plays a role as a pioneer species. It colonises disturbed or eroded areas, providing some erosion control and attracting pollinators. However, it quickly forms dense patches that outcompete native and productive forage plants, reducing biodiversity and overall pasture quality.
Livestock Interaction
Palatability: Low. Cattle and horses avoid it; sheep and goats may nibble but do not control it effectively.
Toxicity: Not acutely toxic, but unpalatable and can cause mild digestive issues if consumed in quantity.
Pasture Impact: Reduces available forage, contributing to selective grazing and further weed spread.
Management and Replacement Strategies
Effective control involves improving soil health and restoring plant competition. Mechanical or chemical methods alone won’t succeed without addressing the underlying soil conditions.
Soil Management
Test and adjust pH (apply lime if acidic).
Increase nitrogen and organic matter through compost, manure, or nitrogen-fixing cover crops.
Promote soil life with diverse pasture mixes and minimal soil disturbance.
Grazing Management
Avoid overgrazing; leave sufficient plant cover.
Use rotational grazing to reduce pasture stress.
Physical and Chemical Tools
Mow before the plant sets seed (early flowering stage).
Spot spray with selective herbicides if necessary. Refer to local guidelines for products and timing.
According to Montana State University’s integrated management guide, a combination of mowing, grazing, and reseeding improved forage quality and reduced Ox-eye Daisy density over several seasons.
““Selective herbicides can provide effective control of Oxeye Daisy when used as part of an integrated strategy.””
Recommended Replacement Species
After removing Oxeye Daisy (through mowing or herbicide), reseeding with a competitive pasture mix is crucial. While no specific species have been trialed solely against Oxeye Daisy, common recommendations from extension services include:
Chicory and plantain for fast establishment and weed suppression
White clover and birdsfoot trefoil to boost nitrogen and fill gaps
Perennial ryegrass for dense, grazing-tolerant ground cover
Together, these help rebuild pasture resilience, making it harder for Oxeye Daisy to return.
Sources and Further Reading
One Page Guide
