Queen Anne's Lace (Wild Carrot)
By: Haley Dickerson
Classification
•Domain: Eukarya
•Kingdom: Plantae
•Phylum: Magnoliophyta
•Class: Magnoliopsida
•Order: Apiales
•Family: Apiaceae
•Genus: Daucus
•Species: Daucus carota
Positive/Negative Impacts
Many people consider this plant an invasive weed, since it has been introduced. It will sometimes compete with native plants. Although, some animals have actually benefited from this plant. Caterpillars of the Eastern Black Swallowtail butterfly eat the leaves. Bees and other insects drink the nectar. Also, predatory insects (such as the Green Lacewing), come to Queen Anne's Lace to attack prey. Queen Anne's Lace is particularly troublesome when it occurs on railroad and highway right-of-ways with heavy soil where frequent mowing keeps the area bare, and since incorrectly timed, simply allows for germination or scatters of seeds.
Biome/Ecosystem/Habitat
Queen Anne's Lace is known to live in dry fields, ditches, and open areas. It was introduced from Europe, and the carrots that we eat today were once cultivated from this plant.
History
The plant originated in Europe and was introduced to the Americas by early settlers who brought the seed into the country for Victorian gardens and medical uses. This plant blooms from May to October. It is a biennial plant, meaning that it lives for about 4 years. The first year it continually grows, and the second year it blooms.
Non-Profit Organizations/Government Agencies
If carrot greens are toxic or poisonous, then one would think that the USDA or the UK Department of Agriculture would have concerns and introduce regulations to prevent stores from selling them, or at least enforce the display of a warning notice. Even though this would make since to try to prevent it, most scientists have actually proven them to be SAFE.
Economical Impacts
Queen Anne's Lace can cost the U.S. money by having to remove it in some areas. Control is achieved by hand-pulling or mowing close to the ground before seed set. Use gloves when handling this plant since it can cause skin irritation in some people. Burning does not help control this invasive plant and fire may induce seed sprout. Queen Anne's Lace is not dangerous, but if it spreads to another area then it will grow rapidly and spread more by dispersing seeds.
Expected Impacts
In typical gardens this plant will never take over, because it does not tolerate mowing or the constant disturbance of children or pets. I predict that the plant will continue to grow in large open fields, but no where else because of the disturbances. The animals that use this plant like the bees, caterpillars of the Eastern Black Swallowtail butterfly, and some insects could be more abundant where Queen Anne's Lace is present because of the resources it gives off to them.
Five Level Food Chain
Sun
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Queen Anne's Lace
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Bees
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Birds
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Bobcats