PROGRAMS
Bow Valley Ox-eye Daisy ProjectProject SummaryOx-eye Daisy (Chrysanthemun leucanthemum) is an invasive plant of increasing concern in the western states and provinces. Of Eurasian origin, the Ox-eye Daisy is classified as a noxious weed in Alberta. During the past decade infestations of this plant in Alberta have increased, particularly in riparian, disturbed, and agricultural areas. In 2003 the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley initiated the Bow Valley Ox-eye Daisy Project with funding from Environment Canada's Ecoaction program, and support from 12 local jurisdictions and partners. The goals of this project were to map the extent of infestations along roads and riparian areas in the Bow Valley, to educate the public about the ecological threat posed by invasive species, and to remove (using non-chemical means) Ox-eye Daisies from areas along the Bow River. The surveys revealed more weed infestations than expected, with 417 sites covering approximately 74 ha. Manual removal efforts targeted 44 sites covering 6 ha. Additional infestations were noted along most of the 60 km length of the Bow Valley Parkway. The Biosphere Institute continues to work with its local partners to identify areas of concern and to educate the public about the threat to native plants and biodiversity posed by invasive aliens such as the Ox-eye Daisy. About the Ox-Eye Daisy
Invasive species are a serious threat to biodiversity, agriculture, and riparian health. Ox-eye daisy travels easily along rivers because its seeds float. Riparian infestations are particularly difficult to combat as spraying herbicide along riverbanks is prohibited in many areas. Without natural predators to control them, some invasive species become so successful that they will colonize large areas of disturbed ground and riparian zones. Invasive species are an economic concern for farmers, requiring manual cultivation or chemical treatment. For instance, ingestion of ox-eye daisy by dairy cattle imparts an unpleasant taste to the milk they produce. In natural areas invasive species replace native plants, altering habitat for wild animals.
What You Can DoHelp stop the spread of an invasive species. Plant and seed removal will help stop the spread of this weed down the Bow River. Ox-eye daisy seeds float, making this species extremely successful along waterways. Manual removal of ox-eye daisy will help increase the competitive advantage of native species that would otherwise be out-competed by the ox-eye. Reducing seed spread of the invader will promote native plant growth, which in turn will make it more difficult for the ox-eye daisy to return in the future. This will improve habitat and food sources for wild animals and will improve the quality of forage crops for livestock in agricultural areas. Project Partners
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Many species of plants have been imported to North America for agricultural or ornamental purposes. Most of these plants are quite benign and grow only in the cultivated areas where they were planted or seeded. Other species such as the ox-eye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) are invasive and spread throughout the landscape. They are characterized by their ability to spread rapidly and colonize new areas, and the lack of natural predators to control the growth of the infestation. 
Ox-eye daisy (Chrysanthemun leucanthemum) is of Eurasian origin and was originally brought to North America as an ornamental garden plant. In North America it has escaped cultivation and is now widely distributed across the continent. The ox-eye daisy is primarily found along roadsides, in fields and riparian areas. It is a creeping perennial growing as tall as 1m. The flowers are white with yellow disk florets, and are very similar in appearance to the Shasta daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum L.). The Shasta daisy is a horticultural cultivar originally derived from the ox-eye daisy in the early 20th century. As a hybrid, the Shasta daisy may revert to its ox-eye origins. This has occurred when the daisies become invasive and spread throughout the garden and beyond. The ox-eye daisy reproduces by seeds (at an average of 859,000 seeds per pound of plant) and short rootstalks. Once established in an area the ox-eye daisy will replace existing grasses and herbacous plants (often up to 50% of the grass in grass pastures). Livestock and wildlife will selectively graze around patches of ox-eye daisy, greatly reducing the competitive ability of the native vegetation or forage crop.
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