Ox-Eye Daisy

In the summer pasture along a rocky hillside is an area that the daisies just love. From late May through early June each year, they bloom their little hearts out.

Did you know that the daisy is not a native to the United States?  The came along from Europe with immigrants who planted them in their gardens, and at some point the daisies wanted freedom, to see the country, so they ran away – packed their stuff in their handkerchiefs, tied it to a pole and hit the road. And now they live the wild life with the wind in their petals.

You can find them in pastures, along roadsides and railroads, and in empty lots in America, Australia, and New Zealand. And in our pasture, they’ve found the perfect home – cows don’t eat daisies because of their bitter taste. Horses, sheep, and goats eat them, but cows are more finicky.

Native Americans dried the flowers, stems and roots, and then made a tea they used as an eyewash and for soothing chapped hands.

And of course, who hasn’t used the flower for the “He loves me, he loves me not” game?

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Suzanne

Cattle, corn, wheat, beans, mud, snow, ice, and drought. Plenty of fresh air and quiet. Our life is sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes joyous, but never boring.

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7 Responses

  1. Tina says:

    Love them!I am very curious about the benefits for chapped hands. Do you drink it as tea? I have chapped hands and would like to try it.

    • Suzanne says:

      Hi Tina,
      I’ve never had it as tea, and the benefit for chapped hands is intriguing to me too. If you try it, let me know how it works out for you.

  2. Bev J. says:

    Great photos. Love the daisies- whether they be wild or tame! Just about my favorite flower.

  3. Nance says:

    I love the ox-eye, I love it not. I love the ox-eye daisy, oh yes! I do! Great photos!

  4. Oh boy, if I had penny for every time I used a daisy for “he loves me, loves me not” when I was a young girl…wow! I love daisies…and who doesn’t? My sister in law just got married last month and she had daisies for her centerpieces. I made her invitations and put a big die cut daisy on the front of each invite. They looked pretty. I love your photos in this post!! They are wonderful!

    • Suzanne says:

      Hi Bonnie,
      I think we had daisies at our wedding too. Maybe. I can’t remember, and it was only 3 years ago. How sad is that?

  5. P.S. I just noticed your new header with the daisy!! I absolutely love it!! So pretty! great idea!

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