bellis
Bellis L.
A genus overview; characteristics vary between its species.
A daisy head looks simple from a distance, but Bellis makes that familiar shape from many separate flowers. Flora of North America: Bellis
Botanical name
The cited authority recognizes Bellis L. as a genus. Flora of North America: Bellis
Recognizing the plant
Around the outside are strap-shaped ray florets; at the centre sit small, yellow disc florets. The Flora of North America describes the rays as white on their upper surface and often tinged pink or purple underneath. The head closes at night, giving the tiny structure a daily rhythm as well as a seasonal one. Bellis is a genus of small herbs, usually with leaves gathered near the ground and solitary heads raised on simple stems. Both perennial and annual life histories occur within the genus. Garden selections may have densely doubled heads, while wild forms reveal the ring-and-disc arrangement more clearly. Flora of North America: BellisRHS: Bellis perennis
Seasonality across the genus
Britain, Bellis perennis example
In Britain, the Royal Horticultural Society describes the familiar species Bellis perennis flowering in late spring and summer, an example of seasonality within the genus. RHS: Bellis perennis
Native range
Its geographic centre lies in Europe, the Mediterranean region, northern Africa and Macaronesia, while members have been introduced elsewhere. Flora of North America: Bellis
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.