April Gift Flower: Daisies

One of the first wildflowers I learned to identify by its rosette shape was the oxeye daisy. According to Don Kurz, who wrote Ozark Wildflowers, ox-eye daisies were considered a sacred plant to the soldiers of Artemis in ancient Greece. The practice of picking the petals one by one, to find out if one is loved, dates back to medieval times.

Ox-eye daisies made the trip across the Atlantic along with European settlers in the 1600s.

In Europe, the young leaves are used in salads and soups.

Don't mix them with other flowers. Similar to daffodils, they put off a toxin that will make anything else in a vase with them wilt.

Daisies are April's gift flower. In Missouri, they tend to bloom in May so if you want to give them as a gift, you will need to visit a florist, or give a potted plant.

In the Language of Flowers, daisies represent youth and simplicity.

Ox-eye daisies in Bluebird Gardens ready to be transplanted to a better garden spot.

Regardless of what flowers are blooming each month, ox-eye daisies will bring sunshine to anyone who receives them.

Charlotte