What Makes Daisies So Special
Daisies are simple and sweet. Daisies are the way to win my heart. - Patrick Rothfuss
If you read my blog post about the origin of Cheerful Daisy Creative, then you already know that daisies hold a special place in my and my daughter’s hearts. And we are not alone! Daisies are among the most recognized and beloved of flowers, and rightly so. Not only are they a joy to behold, but daisies have many admirable qualities that make them stand out. In the world of flowers, they are far from ordinary!
Daisies have long been associated with spring and rebirth, and they are the primary birth flower for April. According to Roman mythology, daisies were created by the gods to cheer up the earth after winter. In Norse mythology, daisies are dedicated to Freya, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, and are often associated with motherhood, marriage, and new beginnings.
The name “daisy” comes from the Old English “day’s eye”, referring to the fact that the petals close over the center at night and re-open in daylight. The saying “fresh as a daisy” stems from this trait and signifies someone who has had a good night’s sleep. Daisies are also unique in that they are actually two flowers in one - their outer petals, called “rays”, are one flower, and their centers, called the flower “head”, are composed of clusters of tiny little flowers.
Daisies are very adaptable and can thrive in both wet and dry climates. They grow all over the world and have been found on all continents, except Antarctica. Daisies are related to sunflowers and often grow in similar habitats. Bees are especially fond of daisies, and Shasta daisies in particular are one of their favorite flowers to pollinate. Their wide flat shape allows room for bees to land, and their yellow centers provide bees with plenty of pollen and nectar.
Besides acting as food for pollinators, daisies are also edible by humans. They are closely related to artichokes and contain a significant amount of vitamin C. The leaves and flowers can used as a garnish, the leaves can be added to a salad or soup, and the flowers can be dried and brewed as a tea.
Daisies are also classified as a medicinal herb. The have long been used as remedy to help speed recovery from wounds and bruises, as they contain anti-inflammatory properties. They have traditionally been used to relieve coughs and congestion, and more recent studies have indicated they may be helpful in fighting tumors as well.
The next time you see a daisy, keep in mind all of the great attributes they possess. You will never look at daisies the same again!
