The Ox-eye Daisy is a native perennial meadow flower, once used to combat chest complaints. The simple flowers are very valuable to our bees and butterflies and the tall stems make excellent cut flowers.

The plant has been known and loved for generations and has gained many common names, including Ox-Eye Daisy; Billy Button; Bishop's Posy; Gypsy Daisy; Herb Margaret; Horse Pennies; Maudlinwort; Large Dicky Daisy; Field Daisy; Dunder Daisy; Crazy Bet; Cow's Eyes; native Open Star; Moon Daisy; Marguerite; Open Star; Fried Eggs; Thunder Flower; Poverty Weed.

In times past the ox-eye daisy was dedicated to the goddess Artemis and was considered to be very effective in the treatment of 'women's complaints'. It was also associated with the Norse god of thunder, Thor, and thought to be a powerful protection against lightning, hence the old English name of 'thunder flower.

The flowers were traditionally hung on haylofts, hayricks and barns as a charm to protect against fires. Before the Industrial Revolution a hayrick fire would have resulted in severe shortages of winter food for livestock.

With the arrival of Christianity, the plant became identified with St Mary Magdalene and so became known as Maudlin daisy or Maudlinwort.

The plant can be grown in a wildflower meadow or wildlife area, in a bed or a border.