flowers that look like daisies but aren’t

40+ Flowers That Look Like Daisies But Aren’t

Daisies are one of the most iconic and beloved flowers, with their bright yellow centers surrounded by white petals radiating outwards. Their cheerful appearance and hardy nature make them a quintessential flower for gardens, bouquets, and flower crowns.

However, there are many other flowers that closely resemble daisies but actually belong to different species. Though they may look alike at first glance, upon closer inspection each has unique features setting it apart from the classic daisy.

In this article, we’ll explore over 40 flowers that resemble daisies, with tips on how to identify and properly care for them. Some are close daisy relatives within the same plant family, while others have evolved to mimic the daisy form. Discover which “daisy impersonators” can bring diversity and vibrance to your garden or floral designs.

Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)

The oxeye daisy is often mistaken for a true daisy. It has the iconic white petals with a yellow center, but its flowers stand alone on each stem rather than in clusters. Oxeye daisy leaves form a basal rosette with elongated, toothed leaves unlike the daisy’s rounded foliage. Give oxeye daisies full sun and average soil.

Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)

With their large blooms on long, sturdy stems, Shasta daisies are frequently confused with regular daisies. Their flowers can reach 5 inches across, with crisp white petals and bold yellow disks. Shasta daisy leaves form a low mat around the base. Provide full sun and well-drained soil. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia sp.)

Black-eyed Susans aren’t daisies, but their dark central cones and bright yellow petals bear a striking resemblance. These wildflowers have a distinct cone-shaped bloom. Thriving in full sun or part shade, black-eyed Susans are low maintenance and attract pollinators.

Tickseed (Coreopsis sp.)

Tickseed offers cheery daisy-like flowers, but its fine, threadlike leaves set it apart. Popular garden varieties of tickseed include C. grandiflora (large-flowered) and C. lanceolata (lance-leaved). Give these tough perennials full sun and lean, well-drained soil. Shear off spent blooms to encourage reblooming.

Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

With golden-orange petals and green centers, pot marigolds mimic daisies. However, they have aromatic, oblong foliage and bushy growth unlike the daisy’s spoon-shaped leaves. Grow calendulas in full sun to part shade with evenly moist, well-drained soil. They make edible flowers and herbal remedies.

Asters (Aster sp.)

Asters are classic fall-blooming flowers that look like daisies but have thinner, more delicate petals. Varieties such as A. novae-angliae (New England aster) grow 3-6 feet tall in shades of purple, pink, red, white and blue. Give asters full sun and moist, rich soil.

African Daisy (Osteospermum sp.)

African daisies have a similar form to daisies but with thicker, fleshier foliage. Their vibrant flowers close at night. Provide these heat-loving annuals with full sun, well-drained acidic soil, and moderate water. Fertilize them regularly for optimal blooms.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

With drooping petals and a bristly central cone, echinacea’s flowers resemble daisies but have a distinct form. These pretty native wildflowers come in shades of pink, purple, white and yellow. Echinacea grows well in full sun or part shade with average to dry soil.

Gaillardia (Gaillardia sp.)

Also called blanket flowers, gaillardia has colorful, fringed ray florets giving a daisy-like look. However, their flower shape is more conical. Give these short-lived perennials full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Use them in borders, beds and cutting gardens.

Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Gerbera daisies produce vibrant, multi-layered blooms in pink, orange, yellow, red and white shades. Their large flower heads have ragged, delicate petals and hairy foliage in a basal rosette – unlike the daisy. Grow gerberas in full sun with consistently moist but well-drained soil. Fertilize regularly for optimal blooms.

Coreopsis (Coreopsis sp.)

With over 80 varieties, coreopsis offers countless daisy-like blooms with fine, threadlike leaves rather than the daisy’s broad leaves. Give these tough perennials full sun and dry to medium moisture. Deadhead spent flowers to maximize blooming. Use coreopsis in borders, beds and containers.

So don’t be fooled – many plants can pass for daisies at first glance! But a close look at the foliage and other subtle distinguishing features helps identify their true identity. With proper growing conditions, these daisy lookalikes will add beauty and diversity to your garden.