"What is she up to now?" - well, I hope you're not thinking I have completely lost my marbles. Recently during an early morning walk in our Laguna I saw a lot of Queen Anne's lace in all stages of the plant. Fully bloomed, half way gone, seed pods - all are beautiful and fascinating. Definitely worthy to be captured with my phone camera on this foggy morning.
There were so many!
And then I found myself doubting whether these are indeed Queen Anne's lace. So I switched on my nifty Google Lens and was quickly informed that these plants are Wild Carrots.
"Oh boy", I thought, here I was mistaken all along with the name!
But actually I wasn't. This plant is botanically called Daucus carota with the common name wild carrot. However, there are also other names that it is known of - bird's nest, bishop's lace and - you guessed it - Queen Anne's lace. This name it only has in North America and it refers to both Anne, Queen of Great Britain, and Anne of Denmark (who was her great grandmother). It got the name because the flower resembles lace.
No matter which name you prefer (I love bird's nest), it is a beautiful flower that is very popular with bees and all kinds of bugs. It is a beneficial weed that can be a companion plant for some crops; however, some states (Iowa, Ohio, Michigan and Washington) have listed it as a noxious weed and it is considered a serious pest in pastures.
But in the Laguna it is simply beautiful and beneficial for the recovery of the land.
12 comments:
That's why it is so important to know the scientific name and then everyone knows what you are referring to regardless of the common name used. It is by any account an interesting plant and is widespread in many parts of the continent enabling it to be appreciated by casual observer and botanist alike.
It is indeed beautiful at all stages. I only know it as Queen Anne's lace. Does it have edible carrots?
Well, I learned something from your post. The photos are fantastic showing the Lacey Carrot in all its stages of growth.
We always have a lot of Queen Anne's Lace here on our farm. I love its delicate beauty. You captured it nicely in the photographs.
Oh how beautiful, and graceful. I too like the name bird's nest. Your photos are lovely and it was interesting to read about this plant.
Great to be taken on another walk with you Carola 💝
I always love seeing this on my walks at the cottage and I've noticed its varying periods of "decay" on recent walks, although I have to say, it feels very interesting and I find those plants just as lovely but different, if that makes sense!
I´ve never heard of Wild Carrots but Laguna sure sounds very romantic. And who doesn´t love foggy mornings - they are to come here, soon, I guess.
I never knew this was also called wild carrot - I've always thought of it as Queen Ann's Lace. We have a fair amount in the forest around me. I love it, and it doesn't seem to invasive in my area. I love your photos at the various stages!
I've always admired the Queen Anne's Lace. Such a pretty and delicate flower. It was interesting to see the different stages of its growth. I wonder why there are so many different names for a flower? Makes it confusing for people like me who loves simplicity. ; ) Such lovely photos, Carola.
~Sheri
Truly beautiful! I love Queen Anne's lace! Big Hugs!
So very lovely and such great information to have!
Fabulous photographs, everyone so beautiful at all stages.
I know it as Queen Anne's lace!
All the best Jan
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