Queen-Anne's-Lace

Queen-Anne's-lace (Daucus carota) is a plant native to central Asia that has been spread around the globe. A member of the carrot family (Apiaceae), Queen-Anne's-lace can be found along roadsides, open areas and disturbed sites throughout North America. It is a biennial, meaning it produces just leaves the first year and then produces flowers during the second year.

This is the very same species as the cultivated carrot, which has been bred to produce a larger root (the carrot). The wild form is also edible when young, but the root soon becomes tough. Like most members of Apiaceae, the “flower” is actually a collection of flowers. The many lacy flowers, and the fact that Queen Anne used them to adorn her hair with this plant, are the origin of its common name.

For something fun to do with your children or grandchildren, place a bouquet of Queen Anne's Lace in a jar filled with water that has a few drops of food coloring added. In a few days, the flowers will turn the color of the water.

Today's photo of Queen Anne's Lace was taken in Greene County by WPC's Robert Coxe.

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