What is the scientific name for the common daisy?

The scientific name for the common daisy is Bellis perennis. It is also widely called the lawn daisy or English daisy and belongs to the large Asteraceae family.

Bellis perennis is a small perennial herb native to much of western, central, and northern Europe. It forms a low rosette of leaves and produces flower heads on leafless stalks, commonly blooming from spring into late summer. Although the head looks like one flower, it is a composite structure made of many tiny yellow disk florets and white ray florets.

The species name helps distinguish it from other plants called daisies, including the oxeye daisy, Leucanthemum vulgare, and the African daisy. The genus name Bellis may come from the Latin bellus, meaning “pretty,” while perennis means “everlasting” or “perennial.”

The common English word “daisy” is often explained as a form of “day’s eye,” because the flower head closes at night and opens again in daylight. Bellis perennis can also exhibit heliotropism, following the Sun’s position during the day.