Wild Carrot, Queen Anne's Lace

The wild carrot, also called bird's nest, bishop's lace, and Queen Anne's lace, is native to Europe, but has been naturalized in the U.S. and Australia. It is related to the cultivated carrot. The USDA lists it as a noxious weed. However, it can be useful to us.

This plant looks very similar to the Water Hemlock and fools parsley...both related to the wild carrot and parsley, but both poisonous plants. Be sure and look for the red or purple flower in the very center (see picture above...it may look like an ant or gnat to you at first glance) and a carrot-like smell to the root. It is hairy as well...hemlock is not hairy, and smells bad. And, as with all wild-food gathering, it is best to stay away from plants that may have been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides, plants along the side of rows or streams, and plants near noxious industrial plants.

The root of the wild carrot is edible while it is young, but can quickly become too woody if allowed to mature. Dried and roasted, it can be used as a substitute for coffee. However, most of the plant is edible, lending a carrot-like flavor to soups and stews. Spring-time leaves can do the same for salads (although by summer, they become bitter). (We had the flowers in a salad once...an odd texture, but awesome flavor). Once the flowers are gone, the flower head curls up into a bird's nest appearance....the seeds can be collected and used like caraway seeds. It contains vitamins B, C, pectin, lecithin, flaonoids, and cartotin, a vitamin A precursor.

It is used as a companion plant to crops. It attracts predatory wasps, which will eat other insects. It is also said to boost tomato plant production, and help keep the microclimate cooler and moister when planted near lettuce.

Caution: The following is for your entertainment and informational purposes only. We are not doctors, nor do we play one on television. We do not give out medical advice.

The crushed seeds were first documented by Hippocrates over 2,000 years ago as a form of birth control. Recent Chinese research conducted on mice shows that it can disrupt the implantation process, and can be used as a "morning after" pill (although we can not assure its 100% effectiveness). Seeds have been used also as a remedy for hangovers. The seeds and leaves are both said to settle the stomach. The grated root has been used for healing external wounds and internal ulcers. The thick sap has been used for cough and congestion. Other research has shown it to have diuretic, bactericidal, and anti-parasitic properties (The Chinese use it to expel worms). For use on sores, apply leaves with honey.

Although I am not a doctor, I do highly recommend that women who are pregnant, think they might be, or are trying to become pregnant consume absolutely NONE of this plant, as the uterine contractions it creates may cause a miscarriage. Go with the red clover instead.