For the month of April, our flower in the spotlight is the daisy. The daisy reminds us of lunchtimes on the school field and long summer breaks, but there's so much more to this little flower. We’ve pulled together 10 interesting facts about daisies that you may or may not know.
- Daisies belong to the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers, dandelions, and chrysanthemums.
- The common daisy, also known as the lawn daisy, has the scientific name Bellis perennis.
- Daisies are native to Europe but have been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
- The daisy is a symbol of innocence, purity, and true love.
- Daisies are often used in herbal medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and wound-healing properties.
- The petals of the daisy are edible and can be used in salads or to decorate cakes and desserts.
- Daisies are popular garden flowers and come in a variety of colours, including white, pink, yellow, and red.
- The daisy flower head is actually made up of two types of flowers - the central disk flowers and the outer ray flowers.
- In some cultures, daisies are associated with childbirth and are given as gifts to new mothers.
- Daisies are a favourite flower of many insects, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, as they provide a rich source of nectar and pollen.