Queen Anne's Lace (Wild Carrot)

Daucus carota

Family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Notable Features
Leaves: Leaves extremely deeply lobed*, fringe-like in appearance. Sprout from lower portions of the plant around and from several, central, hairy stems from which flowers blossom.
Flowers: Large, flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers appear May through October during the second year of the plant. A single purple flower usually appears in the center of the cluster.
Roots: A single, white root; smells of carrot.
Size/ Shape: A small, flowering plant (second year flowers) up to 3 feet (1 meter) in height. Found in fields, waste areas, roadsides, and forest peripheries.
Location on Campus

(click for map)
Located along the peripheral road, and between the Goldman-Schwartz Art Building and Spingold Theatre in the rocky waste area.
Uses
The first year roots can be prepared as a cooked vegetable in the same manner as garden carrots. Second year roots too dry, grainy, and un-flavorful.

WARNING: First-year Queen Anne's Lace leaves resemble Poison Hemlock. Remember that Wild Carrot stalks are hairy.

Except where specifically noted, all text, photographs, and drawings copyright Chris Bersbach and Lisa Leombruni 2002. No part of this page may be reproduced without the express permission of the authors.