The common daisy (Bellis perennis L.) is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the family Asteraceae. It thrives in meadows, pastures, lawns, and other grassland habitats. It is native mainly to Europe, but it can also be found in Central Asia. In horticulture, it is known as a cultivated ornamental plant, while wild daisies are harvested for use in food, traditional medicine, and cosmetics. The young leaves and flowers are edible and are used fresh in salads, soups, omelettes, and other dishes. The flowers are also used as decoration or as an addition to various foods. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to alleviate digestive, respiratory, and skin problems, as well as other ailments. Its medicinal properties are mainly associated with phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, essential oils, and mucilage. Caution is required when using the common daisy for food and medicinal purposes, as plants growing in polluted habitats may accumulate cadmium and lead and may also contain pesticide residues. Daisy flowers are an important source of pollen for honey bees and other pollinators. The daisy has also been reported to be used in religious ceremonies, for textile dyeing, and even as a tool in cytological research.
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