Family: Asteraceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 904 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Buphthalmum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe
Description
The Ox-eye, scientifically known as Buphthalmum salicifolium, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Native to Europe, this vibrant plant has captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts for centuries with its striking appearance and hardiness.
First documented in 1753, the Ox-eye was classified by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum. The genus name, Buphthalmum, is derived from the Greek words “bous” meaning ox and “ophthalmos” meaning eye, which together reference the plant’s large, eye-catching flower heads that resemble the eye of an ox. The species name, salicifolium, denotes the resemblance of its leaves to those of willow trees (Salix).
The Ox-eye is distinguished by its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that can reach up to 6 centimeters in diameter. These blooms typically emerge from June to August, providing a cheerful splash of color throughout the summer months. The plant’s stems are sturdy and can grow up to 80 centimeters tall, supporting its lush blossoms well above the ground.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Ox-eye serves various ecological roles. As a member of the Asteraceae family, it contributes to the biodiversity of its native habitats by attracting a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The clusters of golden petals provide a crucial nectar source during the blooming season, thus supporting the local pollinator populations.
The leaves of Buphthalmum salicifolium are narrow and elongated, resembling those of the willow tree, and contribute to its graceful appearance. These green, lance-shaped leaves are arranged alternately along the stems and provide a soft, textured background that contrasts beautifully with the golden blooms.
The Ox-eye is popular among gardeners not only for its visual appeal but also for its resilience. It thrives in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soils. It is a versatile plant that can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making it suitable for different garden settings. Due to its robustness and minimal maintenance needs, Buphthalmum salicifolium is an excellent choice for borders, wildflower gardens, and naturalistic planting schemes.
In summary, Buphthalmum salicifolium, or Ox-eye, is a remarkable plant that combines visual charm with ecological benefits. Its vibrant flowers, resilient nature, and historical significance make it a valuable addition to both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens.
Common Names
Deu: ochsenauge, weidenblättriges ochsenauge
Dan: pilebladet tusindstråle
Swe: ljusöga
Eng: ox-eye, willow-leaved yellow oxeye, willow-leaved yellow-oxeye
Nld: wilgkoeienoog
En: Ox-eye, Yellow Ox-eye, Yellow oxeye daisy, Willow-leaved Yellow Oxeye, Willow-Leaved Yellow-Oxeye
Zh: 黄牛眼菊
Hr: Žuti volujac
Cs: Volovec vrbolistý
Da: Pilebladet tusindstråle
Nl: Wilgkoeienoog, Koeieoog
Fi: Häränkukka
Fr: Buphtalme à feuilles de saule, Buphtalme, Oeil-de-boeuf, Buphthalme à feuilles de saule, Buphthalmum à feuilles de saule
De: Ochsenauge, Rindsauge, Weidenblatt-Rindsauge, Weidenblättriges Ochsenauge, Gemeines Ochsenauge, Weidenblättriges Rindsauge
Hu: Fűzlevelű ökörszem
It: Asteroide salicina
Pl: Kołotocznik wierzbolistny
Sk: Volovec vŕbolistý
Sv: Ljusöga
Zh-tw: 黃牛眼菊
Synonyms
Distribution
- Austria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Jawa (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2019 by Sergey Shatrov (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2020 by steulin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2019 by Patrick Jansen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2018 by walter kern (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2021 by mama mischi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2019 by Pedrocchi César (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2020 by Jean-philippe Jahier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Alvaro Delgado (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2021 by Michael Andresek (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2018 by Gianni Giana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2019 by Pedrocchi César (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2022 by Boumlik Messaïli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2021 by Michael Andresek (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 15, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 6, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 6, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2019 by Kelly Doine (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Petra Marinko (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5391074)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:186459-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Buphthalmum salicifolium L.)
Specifications
Growth
Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]