Ox-Eye Daisy

Weed Talk: By Martin Chatfield Landcare Community Weed Officer Ox-eye Daisy. An erect perennial herb to 1 m high with distinctive white daisy flowers with a yellow centre. It spreads by seed and extensive creeping roots producing new aerial growth annually, germinates in autumn, young plants develop slowly through winter and spring and do not flower the first year. During this time the extensive root system is developed. The flowers are formed in late spring and early summer after which the aerial growth dies back. Ox-eye daisy grows so densely that it excludes almost all other vegetation. It is not readily grazed by stock so carrying capacity of infested areas is reduced, and the weeds chance of survival is enhanced. If eaten by stock it imparts a disagreeable taste to milk. This plant was introduced in to Australia probably as a garden plant around 1850, more suited to English meadows. It is a noxious weed in South Gippsland, growing well in poor or heavy damp soils. If you would like to see this plant in all its glory, have a look at the top of Foster hill around Ogrady’s Ridge rd and see lots of white daisy type flowers in bloom. Seed is small and is spread by mud, water, agricultural produce, animals and vehicles especially graders and slashing. Management can be by cultivation and maintaining good pasture or by using selective herbicides in the early flowering stage. Early detection is desirable and control to prevent further spread. For more detailed information on weeds and their control go to .