Description: Wild carrot, also known
as Queen Anne’s Lace was once grown as an ornamental.
It is a biennial reproducing by seed. The first year’s
growth produces a rosette of finely divided leaves and a fleshy
taproot. The second year it sends up a flowering stem, blooms,
and dies. The taproot becomes tough and woody by the second
year. The stem is 1-3 feet tall, stout, hairy, and branched
at the top. The leaves are alternate on the stem or basal,
fine pinnately divided and hairy with a distinct carrot-like
odor. The basal leaves are petioled and the stem leaves have
petioles that sheath the stem. The white flowers are terminal
on the long stem and its branches. The many flowers are grouped
in compound, flat topped umbels which become concave as fruit
matures. From the base all the way around the umbel extend
conspicuous bracts that are cleft or pinnately divided into
narrow segments. The seed, commonly a problem in red clover
seed, is 1/3 inch long or less. The plant flowers from July
through September and matures seed during August to November.
Distribution: Wild carrot is found throughout Johnson
County and Iowa. Wild carrot is found in meadows, pastures,
waste areas, roadsides, but not in cultivated fields.
What’s The Problem?: Although not normally
a problem species, wild carrot can become dense enough to
require management. Wild carrot can become the only species
growing in an abused roadside or unused pasture, excluding
more beneficial native grasses and plants.
Management Methods: Various possible
management methods include: hand pulling or cutting, regular
and properly timed mowing to prevent seed production, prescribed
burning, proper pasture grass management (competitive seedings),
and careful use of herbicides. Before using herbicides, read
and understand the label completely. Weigh and study all management
options before usage to be certain that herbicides are the
tool needed.
Photo couresy of Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains published by Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Photo courtesy of King County, WA Noxious Weed Control Program
Above photos couresy of Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains published by Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Above photos courtesy of Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board