Shasta Daisy (Marguerite, Giant Marguerite)

• Common Name: Shasta Daisy (Marguerite, Giant Marguerite)
• Latin Name: Leucanthemum superbum, syn. Chrysanthemum superbum; Chrysanthemum maximum
• Family Name: Asteraceae/Compositae

This hardy perennial is from the Chrysanthemum family.  Two members of this family (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium and C. coccineum) contain high levels of Pyrethrins which are used to make an insecticide that can be harmful to reptiles, and the leaves and stems of Chrysanthemums are said to be toxic to cats.  Although the Shasta Daisy probably does not contain Pyrethrins, we advise you to err on the side of caution and only feed this plant sparingly and as part of a wider varied diet.  See also Marguerite, Ox-eye Daisy, and Chrysanthemum.