Southern daisy (Bellis sylvestris, Pl. Rar. Neapol. 2: 12 (1792))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Cirillo

Bibliography: Pl. Rar. Neapol. 2: 12 (1792)

Year: 1792

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bellis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Medit.

Description

The Southern daisy, scientifically known as Bellis sylvestris, is a charming perennial belonging to the Asteraceae family. First described in the esteemed botanical work “Plantae Rariores Neapolitanae” by Dominicus Maria Cirillo in 1792, this plant has earned its place among Europe’s most endearing wildflowers. The Southern daisy thrives in regions stretching from the southern parts of Europe to the Mediterranean, gracing these landscapes with its delicate beauty.

This hardy species flourishes in a variety of habitats, often seen in grasslands, meadows, and rocky terrains where its resilience allows it to thrive even in less fertile soils. The flower heads of Bellis sylvestris are small and dainty, exhibiting white to pale pink ray florets that encircle a vibrant yellow disc, forming a classic and timelessly attractive bloom.

Flourishing from early spring to late autumn, the Southern daisy offers a prolonged period of visual delight. Its blooms are not only aesthetically pleasing but also attract a myriad of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of its native habitats.

The Southern daisy’s leaves form a basal rosette from which the flower stems protrude. The leaves themselves are somewhat spade-shaped, with a fine texture that complements the delicate structure of the blooms. Known for its adaptability, Bellis sylvestris is often a gardener’s favorite due to its minimal care requirements and high tolerance to varying environmental conditions.

In summary, Bellis sylvestris, or the Southern daisy, is a delightful and resilient member of the Asteraceae family. Spanning across Europe to the Mediterranean, it symbolizes the enchanting simplicity of wild flora while contributing to the biodiversity and ecological health of its native regions.

Common Names

En: Southern Daisy, Garden Daisy
Ca: Margaridoia silvestre
Fr: Pâquerette d’Automne, Pâquerette des bois
De: Herbst-Gänseblümchen
He: חיננית הבתה
It: Pratolina autunnale
Es: Margarita de monte
: Southern daisy

Synonyms

• Bellis atlantica (Boiss. & Reut.)
• Bellis hirta (Host)
• Bellis perennis subsp. sylvestris ((Cirillo) Bonnier & Layens)
• Brachyscome sylvestris (Klatt)
• Bellis longifolia (Orph. ex Nyman)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 10, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2022 by Alexandros Galanidis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 28, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 19, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Marchini Daniela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2021 by Marilyne Renou-Garcias (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2019 by Ricardo Lemaur (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2018 by dimitris logp (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by dan lau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 5, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2021 by Elizabeth Mc Donnell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2021 by Elizabeth Mc Donnell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 1994 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Nov 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2022 by Raúl (Este Madrid) (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Johnny Poppyseed (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2022 by quim Espinet Burunat (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3117401)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:184425-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bellis sylvestris Cirillo)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 3