Kingdom: Plantae Family:: Asteraceae Genus: Leucanthemum Species: Vulgare Common Name: Oxeye Daisy This is a prolific and easy-to-identify flowering herb listed as an invasive weed in BC. Because it is so prolific you shouldn't have a hard time finding it, especially during its flowering season through late spring and early summer. However, because it is perceived as a threat to local biodiversity, municipal governments have made a habit of spraying it with cyanogenic glyphosates like RoundUP. So! Your enemy when harvesting this plant is not the toxicity of the plant, but rather, the toxicity of chemicals that may have been applied. That's why it's important to steward the places you attend. Keep your eyes open for pollution and abuse, and get involved when you notice harmful activity. Write letters to your local government and engage in friendly discussion and connection with other users of the spaces you dwell.
My other favourite edible features:
-Flower buds can be pickled like capers before they open. -Honey from oxeye daisies is DELICIOUS. -odd-Smelling flowers can be dried for teas, as can the leaves -Short infusions in gin are impressive. I've used it to flavour vermouth as well. -Petals and flowers are pretty, edible garnishes -My friend Kris likes to grill the stem shoots in the late spring Comments are closed.
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