Leucanthemum maximum
Shasta daisy, Shasta Daisy
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Leucanthemum maximum (Shasta daisy) is a non-native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by elevation and flower head size.
Shasta daisy is a naturalized perennial found in northern Sierra Nevada and high Cascade Range habitats, particularly in disturbed areas, forests, and streambanks at elevations of 600 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces large white ray flowers 20 to 30 millimeters long with prominent yellow disk centers, creating classic daisy-like blooms. Growing with sturdy stems 20 to 60 centimeters tall, it develops a robust clumping habit with multiple flowering stalks. Its leaves vary from broad obovate basal leaves up to 80 millimeters long to narrower oblanceolate stem leaves, with lower leaves typically entire and upper leaves featuring regular serrated edges. The flower heads reach 18 to 28 millimeters in diameter, presenting a classic, showy appearance characteristic of garden ornamental daisies.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; elevation and flower head size are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed areas, forest, streambanks
Elevation: 600-1500 m
Outside California: native to Europe
Bloom period
Leucanthemum maximum blooms Jun-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Bellis: Bellis forms low rosettes with flower stalks from the base; Leucanthemum has upright leafy stems.; vs Erigeron: Erigeron has numerous narrow rays; Leucanthemum has fewer, broader white rays.; vs Argyranthemum: Argyranthemum has woody stems you can feel; Leucanthemum is herbaceous throughout.; vs Anthemis: Anthemis has finely dissected ferny leaves; Leucanthemum has simple toothed or lobed leaves.; vs Gazania: Gazania has silvery-woolly leaf undersides; Leucanthemum leaves are green on both sides.
Frequently asked questions
Is Leucanthemum maximum native to California?
No. Leucanthemum maximum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Leucanthemum maximum bloom?
Leucanthemum maximum blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Leucanthemum maximum belong to?
Leucanthemum maximum is in the Asteraceae family, genus Leucanthemum.
What habitat does Leucanthemum maximum grow in?
Leucanthemum maximum grows in Uncommon. Disturbed areas, forest, streambanks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.