![]() ![]() The foliage of Wild Carrot is preferred as nesting material by the European Starling. The burry fruits containing the seeds can cling to the fur of some mammals and the clothing of humans, thereby introducing them to new locations (Lacey, 1981). Occasionally White-tailed Deer will chomp off the upper half of flowering plants during the summer, while the Cottontail Rabbit occasionally eats the lower leaves (personal observation). The aromatic and somewhat bitter foliage of this plant is browsed sparingly by mammalian herbivores. Among vertebrate animals, seeds of Wild Carrot are eaten by the Ring-necked Pheasant, Ruffed Grouse, and Pine Mouse (Martin et al., 1951/1961). Wild Carrot is a summer host for such aphids as Cavariella aegopodii (Willow-Carrot Aphid), Dysaphis apiifolia (Hawthorn-Parsley Aphid), Hyadaphis foeniculi (Honeysuckle-Fennel Aphid), and Hyadaphis passerinii (Blackman & Eastop, 2013 Cranshaw, 2004). Another insect, Melanoplus bivittatus (Two-striped Grasshopper), feeds on the foliage, while Allonemobius allardi (Allard's Ground Cricket) feeds on the umbels of flowers (Gangwere, 1961). These species include root-feeding larvae of Listronotus oregonensis (Parsley Weevil), root-feeding larvae of Ligyrus gibbosus (Carrot Beetle), root-feeding larvae of Psila rosae (Carrot Rust Fly), foliage-eating larvae of the moth Melanchra picta (Zebra Caterpillar), and foliage-eating larvae of the butterfly Papilio polyxenes asterius (Black Swallowtail) see O'Brien (1997), Arnett & Jacques (1981), Cranshaw (2004), Wagner (2005), and Bouseman & Sternburg (2001). Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, roots, and other parts of Wild Carrot (Daucus carota). Wild Carrot Wasps (Gasteruption spp.) are among these floral visitors. The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily small bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Illinois wildflowers details wildlife uses of wild carrot: I prefer the swallowtails on wild carrot instead of my garden dill or carrots. If you're interested in raising butterflies in your home or learning more about butterflies, I highly recommend The Family Butterfly Book. ![]() The plant acts as a host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly. Guy Queen Anne's lace seeds here.įor related information on weeds, I really enjoyed Susun Weed book Healing Wise. When the seed heads dry, they curl up into a “nest” shape, accounting for the various “nest” names. ![]() (Why is it that wild cousins are so much more durable than their domesticated counterparts?) A single plant can have hundreds of seeds, and they stay viable in the soil for years. (Not every flower head has this dark floret, but it is common.)Īlthough I think the flowers are quite lovely, I'm careful to avoid letting them go to seed in the garden. In the center of the flower head, there is a single purple to black floret. Flower heads are 3-5″ wide, and are composed of dozens of tiny white flowers, each 1/” across. Wild carrot flowers are borne on a hairy stalk shooting out from the base leaves. For more info on phytophotodermatitis and how to avoid it, see “ My Worst Gardening Mistake – Parsnip Burn AKA Phytophotodermatitis“. Symptoms of phytophotodermatisis include an itching rash and blisters. Note: The sap of Queen Anne's lace can cause phytophotodermatitis, just like all members of the carrot family. The leaf type is twice compound, the leaf attachment is alternate (from the Wildflowers of Wisconsin Field Guide). Queen Anne's lace leaves are fernlike, up to 8″ long. It is a native of temperate regions of southwest Asia and most of Europe and now thrives around the world. If you spot what looks very much like a carrot, popping up where you didn't plant any carrots, it's likely a wild carrot. Depending on your location it blooms May through August. Queen Anne's lace is commonly found along roadsides and meadows, and in gardens. Range and Identification of Queen Anne's Lace Where does Queen Anne's Lace Grow? When she pricked her finger with a needle, a single drop of blood fell into the lace, thus the dark purple floret in the center of the flower.” The Woodrow Wilson Foundation Leadership Programs for Teachers cites the origin of the name as follows: “Queen Anne’s Lace is said to have been named after Queen Anne of England, an expert lace maker. The World Carrot Museum states that the name “‘Herbe a dinde' derives from its use as a feed for young turkeys – dinde.” (Personally, I'd never heard of that name before. Today's featured weed is Queen Anne's Lace, Daucus Carota ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |