The family of Laura Liston who passed away after a home birth
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15 Jan 2026
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15 Jan 2026
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The daisy Picture: Nuala Madigan
Throughout the world there are estimated to be over 4,000 different species of daisy (nóinín as Gaeilge).
The common daisy flowers from March to October each year, and grows in grasslands habitats.
When looking at the daisy, it appears to be one single flower which has a bright yellow centre surrounded by white petals — however the daisy is actually a composite flower. It is a cluster of small flowers combined to appear as one large flower.
The daisy is a source of early nectar for the bee. When the bee lands on the daisy in search of nectar, tiny pollen grains attach to the bee’s body, which the bee then moves from flower to flower — and in the case of the daisy from male anther to female stigma within the flower.
Interestingly, the daisy is a species of wildflower that can be seen blooming during the day but at night closes its flower due to changes in light intensity and temperature. This is known as “nyctinastic movement”.
The leaves of the daisy are green, spoon-shaped and grow close to the ground’s surface in a rosette.
The daisy is an example of a herbaceous plant — that is, its stems are green and soft with little or no wood. Herbaceous plants grow fast and produce many seeds in a short time.
Although children enjoy a lawn filled with the common daisy to make daisy chains, for a gardener this little wildflower can be a problem if established, as the daisy is resistant to chemical treatment and not considered a food source for foraging animals.
With bees in decline and their value as pollinators well recognised, gardeners are encouraged to allow early spring flowers including dandelion and daisies bloom in their gardens. By delaying mowing in your garden you will be helping the bee population by providing an early source of nectar. These bees will return the favour as they will spend the summer pollinating our crops providing us with food.
If you would like to suggest a species to focus for wildlife watch, contact the Bog of Allen Nature Centre on 045 860133 or email bogs@ipcc.ie
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