This lovely patch of flowers was discovered in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Known as the Ox-Eye Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum), this delightful little plant is actually an introduced species from Europe, and is now wide spread throughout much of the United States.

The flowers are composite, white, with petals surrounding a central yellow disk, are around 2" across, and bloom from June through August. The leaves are dark, narrow,and deeply lobed. The plants stand around 1-3' tall. It generally prefers open, moist, meadows or disturbed roadside cuts.

This flower patch was a blast to photograph. I waded gently into the outer edges of the patch and began taking shots. The breeze was significant enough to turn this simple task into a half hour long test of patience. After landing some beautiful images, I wandered back to the campsite only to discover a TICK the size of a tarantula on the side of my jugular. Quite the sight! I gently pulled it off and tossed it back into the woods to find some other hapless victim or become food for some other creature.

This daisy is truly a mythically and historically important plant. Herbalist Maud Grieve wrote in 1931 that in ancient times the Ox-Eye was dedicated to "Artemis, the goddess of women, considering it useful in women's compaints. In Christian days it was transferred to St. Mary Magdalen and called Maudelyn or Maudlin Daisy after her." Taken from Wellesley College

For general wildflower information try GardenWeb.com. Excellent resource.