Wild Carrot — Daucus carota — Family: Apiaceae — Carrot
One of the two most common weeds of Midwestern roadsides. Wild carrot (Queen Anne's-lace) is a biennial that forms a carrot-like taproot that allows it to survive the harsh, gravely, nutrient deficient conditions that it thrives in.
The leaves of wild carrot are very dissected and alternate. All plant parts have a strong carrot-like odor.
Flowers are white in a flat-topped compound umbel (2-4" diameter) produced in the second year on a tall stalk.
One of the two most common weeds of Midwestern roadsides. Wild carrot (Queen Anne's-lace) is a biennial that forms a carrot-like taproot that allows it to survive the harsh, gravely, nutrient deficient conditions that it thrives in.
The leaves of wild carrot are very dissected and alternate. All plant parts have a strong carrot-like odor.
Flowers are white in a flat-topped compound umbel (2-4" diameter) produced in the second year on a tall stalk.
Also Known As...
- Queen Anne's-lace
- birds-nest
- devil's plague
- lace flower
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Lobed |
Upright |
Pinnatifid |
leaves are finely cut and pinnately divided (often triangular) with long petioles
white flower clusters (umbels) produced in second season
umbels become concave as fruit matures
seedling and vegetative stage resembles parsley
Vegetative and seedling stage of wild carrot resembles mayweed chamomile. Seedlings of common yarrow are also confused with wild carrot. Common yarrow is more finely dissected with leaves that are thinner and more fern-like than wild carrot.
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Wild carrot is most likely to thrive under low- or no-maintenance conditions. It is extremely well suited for dry, infertile roadsides. Because wild carrot is a biennial it relies on exposed soil for germinating seed. Wild carrot is a common progression weed in fields that have previously been tilled and will often dominate in the second year of no tillage. Vigorous turfgrass stands will likely prevent a second generation from establishing.
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