13 Weeds That Look Like Carrots: Wild Carrots, and More

As I was weeding my flower bed one day, I noticed that one particular weed looked remarkably like a carrot top:

young queen Anne's lace plant
young queen Anne’s lace plant

I even questioned whether it was possible for some of the seeds from my garden to have been carried over and dropped in with my flowers.

And then when I pulled the weed and smelled the thin root, it smelled exactly like a carrot!

harvested young Queen Anne's lace plant
harvested young Queen Anne’s lace plant

Was it a carrot?

I took it inside and googled “wild carrots“. Sure enough, that’s what it was! And yes, they are edible!

But it surprised me to learn that these are actually immature Queen Anne’s Lace plants. First year growth doesn’t develop a flower head, and the whole plant is good to eat. Once they get their distinct umbrella shaped white flowers on top, the flavor becomes woody and is no longer desirable.

What is Queen Anne’s Lace (aka Wild Carrot)?

Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota) is a flowering plant in the carrot family. The wild ancestor of the domesticated carrot, it is also known as “wild carrot” or “bird’s nest”. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to North America and Australia.

Queen Anne’s lace is an invasive species in many parts of North America, where it is often called “wild carrot”. The plant can be a nuisance in gardens, as it takes over valuable space and Crowds out other plants. However, some gardeners appreciate the plant for its beautiful flowers and pleasant fragrance.

I recognized these flowers from being all around our property. My dad always called them Chigger Bushes, because of the little chigger bugs that jump off of them and cause itchy bites.

We were always warned to stay far away from these blooms. But hey, if they’re edible I’ll take my chances! Besides, a little clear nail polish over the bites is all it takes to kill the burrowing insect.

How to Use Queen Anne’s Lace

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So, once you’ve determined you do in fact have Queen Anne’s Lace, or “wild carrot”, how do you use it?

In Linda Runyon’s book, The Essential Wild Food Survival Guide, I found the following information:

“Stems may be cut into sections and used for flavoring in stews and soups. Buds may be sauteed in oil. The brown dried seeds are an excellent salt substitute.”

According to Linda’s Wild Foraging Cards, you can use wild carrots in the following ways:

  • Roots: Use in soups, stews. Freeze; dry.
  • Leaves: Eat raw; steam; boil; saute; drink liquid used for cooking. Use in soups and stews. Freeze.
  • Flower Heads: Eat raw; fry.
  • Seeds: Collect in autumn and dry for salt substitute.

Here are a couple of recipes you might also like to try:

How to Get Rid of Wild Carrot

Wild carrot, also known as Queen Anne’s lace, is a pretty white flower that has many benefits. It attracts bees and other pollinators, helps prevent soil erosion, and can be used as an herbal remedy. However, wild carrot can also become a weed if it’s not kept in check.

If you want to get rid of wild carrots, the best time to do it is in the spring or fall. You can pull up the plants by hand, or use a hoe or trowel to dig them up.

Be sure to get as much of the root system as possible so the plants don’t regrow. You can also try smothering them with mulch or covering them with black plastic.

If you have a persistent problem with wild carrots, you may need to use an herbicide. Glyphosate is effective but must be applied carefully to avoid harming other plants.

With a little effort, you can keep wild carrots under control and enjoy its many benefits.

poison hemlock

What is Poison Hemlock?

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a member of the carrot family, and it can be found growing wild in damp areas throughout North America. This tall, thin plant has distinctive purplish spots on its stem, and its leaves are large and fern-like.

Native to Europe and Asia, poison hemlock was introduced to North America in the 1800s as an ornamental plant. Since then, it has become naturalized in many parts of the continent.

The plant has small white flowers and fern-like leaves. It is often found in damp areas, such as along streams or in wet meadows.

Poison Hemlock Risks

All parts of the plant are poisonous, and ingesting even a small amount can be fatal. Poison hemlock contains a number of toxic compounds, including coniine and gamma-coniceine. These substances interfere with the nervous system, causing muscle paralysis and respiratory failure.

Symptoms of poison hemlock poisoning or toxicity include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and convulsions. There is no antidote for poison hemlock poisoning, so prompt medical treatment is essential. If you suspect that someone has ingested poison hemlock, call 911 immediately.

Queen Anne’s Lace has a deadly look-alike, Hemlock. Even touching Hemlock can poison you, and ingestion means almost certain death unless treated immediately.

As the toxins from the plant absorb into your system, you slowly become paralyzed, your respiratory system fails, and you die.

Terrible. I know. So you definitely need to know how to distinguish between the two plants.

Fortunately, there are several very clear differences between Queen Anne’s Lace and Hemlock. It’s pretty easy to tell them apart once you learn what to spot, so don’t be afraid to try!

Getting Rid of Poison Hemlock

To get rid of poison hemlock from your property, dig up the roots and dispose of them in a plastic bag.

Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling the plant to avoid skin contact. You can also mow down the plant before it goes to seed to help prevent it from spreading.

Telling the Difference Between Queen Anne’s Lace and Poison Hemlock

Yesterday, I took the kids on a nature walk so that I could teach them how to properly identify Queen Anne’s Lace and to be able to distinguish it from Poison Hemlock.

It would be terrible if the kids spotted some hemlock and picked the flowers thinking they were beautiful. We weren’t able to find any on our property, thankfully, but it’s always good for them (and myself!) to know the difference.

Queen Anne's lace flower close-up
Queen Anne’s lace flower close-up

Although they both have umbrella shaped tiny white (or sometimes pale pink) clusters of flowers, Queen Anne’s Lace has a teeny tiny purple or crimson colored flower in the center of its blooms.

See it in the picture? It isn’t always there, sometimes it has already withered, or hasn’t developed yet. But if you see this, you know for sure it’s Queen Anne’s Lace.

The story goes that Queen Anne was making lace when she pricked her finger and a drop of blood fell into the middle of her work, this is how the plant got its name. Telling the story is a good way for kids to remember which plant is supposed to have the purple flower.

Stems

Hemlock looks a bit different, when you get close enough to really get a good look. Though it would be hard to accurately tell the difference every time by only looking at the blooms. Thankfully, the stems are a dead giveaway.

underside of Queen Anne’s Lace
underside of Queen Anne’s Lace

Queen Anne’s Lace has a hairy, completely green stem. Poison Hemlock is smooth, and has purple blotches or black spots, or streaks on the stem:

two young queen Anne's lace flowers with hairy stems
two young queen Anne’s lace flowers with hairy stems

Blooms

Another identifier is the way the plants look when the blooms are dying back. Queen Anne’s Lace will fold up like a bird’s nest.

Hemlock will not fold up as it goes to seed, but will just turn brown instead.

Height

Queen Anne’s Lace and poison hemlock look similar at first glance, but they can be distinguished based on their height. Queen Anne’s Lace typically grows to be about two feet tall, while poison hemlock can grow up to nine feet tall. The latter is much taller!

Scent

But the REAL test is the smell. If you’ve found a flower and you are fairly certain that you’ve identified it as a Queen Anne’s Lace, the final test is to crush the stem a little then smell.

If it smells like a carrot, you can know for sure that it’s Queen Anne’s Lace, and it’s safe to eat. If it stinks, or has a musty/yucky smell, go wash your hands, it’s possible that the plant is Hemlock.

Don’t Feed Wild Carrot or Poison Hemlock to Livestock

Poison hemlock is also dangerous to animals if consumed.

These plants can grow in pastures and fields, and they can be mistaken for other, safe plants. If ingested, they can cause serious health problems or even death in livestock. That’s why it’s important to be aware of these plants and make sure to keep your animals away from them.

If you suspect that your animal has eaten either of these plants, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Taking these simple precautions can help to keep your livestock safe and healthy.

Other Weeds That Look Like Carrots

Carrots are a popular vegetable, but did you know that there are several other plants that share its appearance? Watch out for these imposters in the garden!

1. Yarrow

Yarrow has finely divided leaves that are fern-like in appearance. Yarrow has finely divided leaves that are fern-like in appearance, while biscuitroot has leaves that are more broad and flat. In addition, yarrow typically grows in clusters.

2. Biscuitroot

Biscuitroot is a common weed that resembles a carrot. It has a long, cylindrical root and foliage that is often mistaken for the vegetable. Biscuitroot grows in disturbed areas such as gardens, fields, and roadsides.

While it is not harmful to humans, it can be a nuisance in gardens and yards. The best way to control biscuitroot is to pull it up by the root. However, this can be difficult as the roots are often very hard to break.

3. Angelica

One common weed in carrot beds is angelica. It has a similar appearance to carrots, but its leaves are more triangular in shape.

4. Cow Parsnip

Another weed to watch out for is cow parsnip, also known as hogweed or wild parsnip. It has large, umbrella-like leaves and can grow to be over six feet tall. While it’s not likely to be confused with a carrot, it can crowd out the plants and make it difficult for them to get the sunlight and nutrients they need.

Giant cow parsnip is particularly dangerous. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an invasive plant that can be dangerous to humans and animals. The plant can grow up to 14 feet tall and has large, white flowers. The stem is covered in dark-red or purple spots and the leaves are extremely sharp. If the sap from the plant comes into contact with skin, it can cause severe burns and blistering. In some cases, the sap can even cause blindness.

The plant is also poisonous if ingested. Animals that eat giant hogweed may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. If you come into contact with the plant, it’s important to wash the area with soap and water immediately. You should also avoid touching your eyes or mouth until you’ve been able to wash your hands thoroughly.

If you think you have been poisoned by the plant, call your local poison control center immediately.

5. Swinecress

Swinecress is a weed that is often mistaken for carrots. The weed can grow up to two feet tall and has deep green leaves that resemble the foliage of carrot plants.

However, swinecress does not produce edible roots and is not considered to be a desirable plant by gardeners. The weed is prevalent in gardens and fields, and can be difficult to control once it becomes established.

Swinecress plants are able to produce thousands of seeds, which are spread by wind and animals. The best way to prevent the weed from taking over a garden is to remove it as soon as it is spotted.

6. Southern Brass Buttons

Southern Brassbuttons look very similar to carrots, with long, slender leaves and small yellow flowers. However, unlike carrots, this weed is extremely difficult to control.

Southern Brass Buttons reproduce quickly and easily, and it spreads rapidly through gardens and yards. If left unchecked, it can quickly take over an entire garden bed.

7. Pineapple Weed

If you’ve ever seen a pineapple weed (Chamomilla suaveolens), you might have mistaken it for a carrot plant. Both plants have yellow flowers and deeply divided leaves, and they even belong to the same family (Asteraceae).

matricaria discoidea pineapple weed

8. Wild Celery

Wild celery (Apium graveolens) is a common weed that often pops up in gardens. At first glance, it may be mistaken for a carrot plant, as it has similar leaves and a slender, white root.

However, wild celery is actually a member of the parsley family. It is an annual plant that grows quickly and can reach up to two feet in height.

While it is not toxic to humans, wild celery can be harmful to other plants. It is known to be a carrier of several plant diseases, including curly top virus and white rust. In addition, the deep root system of wild celery can compete with other plants for nutrients and water.

As a result, it is best to remove wild celery plants from the garden as soon as they are spotted.

9. Lawn Burweed

Burweed (Oxalis stricta) is a common weed in many lawns. It is a low-growing plant that spreads quickly, and it can be tough to control once it becomes established. Burweed is a difficult weed to control because it reproduces both vegetatively and by seed.

10. Poison Parsnip

Poison parsnip is easy to spot once you know what to look for. It has tall, hollow stems and umbrella-like clusters of small, yellow flowers. The leaves are deeply divided and have a hairy texture.

This noxious weed with flowering stems looks benign, but it’s incredibly dangerous. All parts of the plant, including the stalk, release a toxin that produces a photosensitive reaction in your skin.

This plant can only be removed by digging up the taproots – mowing will get rid of it temporarily but it will just come back for a second year. It’s also harmful for animals to eat.

And while the root system of poison parsnip looks similar to that of a carrot, the two plants are actually quite different.

Poison parsnip is a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes other edible plants like celery and fennel. However, eating any part of poison parsnip can cause severe irritation, blistering, and even blindness.

11. Sweet Cicely

Sweet cicely (Osmorhiza longistylis) is a perennial herb that is found throughout North America. It gets its name from its sweet, anise-like flavor, which is caused by the presence of an aromatic compound called anethole.

Sweet cicely is often used as a natural sweetener or flavoring agent, but it can also be used in salads, soups, and stews. Despite its culinary usefulness, sweet cicely is considered a weed by many gardeners due to its aggressive growth habit.

Final Thoughts

So, if you are looking for a beautiful wildflower to add to your garden that is also edible, consider growing Queen Anne’s Lace – or simply just allowing it to grow wild in your garden rather than treating it as a weed!

Just be sure to positively identify it before harvesting any part of the plant. Deadly hemlock closely resembles queen Anne’s lace and can cause serious health problems or death if ingested.

With a little bit of research and caution, you can enjoy both the beauty and bounty of these wonderful plants in your backyard!

Would you be interested in foraging for wild carrots? Do you know if you have any Queen Anne’s Lace growing in your area?

66 thoughts on “13 Weeds That Look Like Carrots: Wild Carrots, and More”

  1. Samuel Thayer’s book “Nature’s Garden” is an excellent resource on this subject, as it is exceptionally detailed with pictures (check out the chapter on wild carrot. There are actually 5 different kinds of hemlock (poison hemlock, bulblet water hemlock, common water hemlock, western water hemlock, and northern water hemlock, and yes, they all look slightly different) and all of them are extremely deadly. He goes over them in one of his other books, “Incredible Wild Edibles” in the chapter about water parsnips. All three of his books are very detailed and since he only writes about wild foods that he himself eats, you can rest assured that he knows what he’s talking about.

    I feel I must point out with a few people here that hemlock does NOT smell bad. In fact, it smells like a vegetable, very mild. Water parsnip on the other hand, which is entirely edible, can have a pungent scent when crushed.

    In reality the absolute best advice is to NEVER identify a plant using only ONE feature. Take the time to learn a plant in all its growing stages so you can identify it at any point, then take the time to do the same with all of the plants look-alikes, and DO NOT eat a plant unless you are 100% certain of what it is. If you have to run for your field guide/google/friend who taught you/etc. then you aren’t 100% certain and you should practice identifying the plant further before you eat it.

    And finally, wild carrot seeds are used as a natural form of birth control, so pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant should not eat them.

    Reply
  2. chiggers are not “burrowing insects”. If you are going to blog on nature topics, you need to do some research so you don’t promote misinformation. I’m sure you have a lot of sound advice and information to share on homesteading, but when I see a blatant error like this, it makes me distrust any other information you write about.

    Reply
    • The author of the article was referring to, at my best guess, chiggers tendency to burrow into skin and bury their heads and bodies in flesh so they can further gnaw and access blood, similar to how a tick buries it’s head. Not that chiggers are insects that burrow say, in the ground.

      Reply
  3. I have a swamp across the road from me, I’ve seen Queen Anne’s Lace (it has a fuzzy stem, which being Autistic it feels cool to me). I never knew of Hemlock before, but knowing that it has a different stem, I’ll keep a sharp eye out for it.
    (When I read how deadly hemlock was all i thought was, “Oh goddess…could I have accidentally picked one when I was picking Queen Anne’s Lace? Am I gonna be ok??” I have the tendency to have these sort of panic attacks over the smallest things…)

    Reply
  4. A fellow horseman lost two of his horses to poison hemlock that had been bailed in with his hay. That was how we learned of this deadly plant. The diagnosis was made by the University of Illinois Veterinary Clinic. I had know idea this plant was dangerous even to the touch and now that I know how to easily identify hemlock I will watch everywhere for it around the farm, in the pastures, and in the hay fields. Thank you for this vital information.

    Reply
  5. Thanks for the helpful article. For the record, you can post those copyright images under Fair Use as the purpose of this article is to educate.

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    • When I saw that I thought the same thing. Just be sure to Cite the photo with the proper credit and you are covered. I would really like to have seen the photos. I have this plant in my yard. I do believe it to be Queen Anne thank goodness.

      Reply
  6. You may want to add a few things to your story, such as there 2 kinds of Hemlock, Conium maculatum, (poison hemlock) and Cicuta (water hemlock).
    And that Angelica’s and Water Parsnip (Berula spp.) also resemble Water Hemlock while Osha and Queens Ann’s Lace resemble Poison Hemlock, but all can be confusing to a beginner just learning to identify plants.

    Learn you plants and their look alikes.

    Apiaceae: Plants of the Parsley or Carrot Family (Previously known as the Umbel Family: Umbelliferae) the most distinctive pattern of the Parsley family is the “compound umbels”.

    If it’s an umbel and you don’t know it then leave it alone.

    Reply
    • Thank you for your reply! In the original article, I find this article disturbing as there are plants that smell like carrot and you are saying those might be edible. You cannot go by smell as a indicator that it is good to eat. Water hemlock, which is a tubular plant, is very poisonous smells like carrots and can kill dogs, cattle and probably humans as well.

      Check out this link.
      https://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=9996

      Reply
  7. I have seen this stuff growing wild in a swampy ditch about a mile up the road. A neighbor told me it was valerian. I was going to go try to dig roots when the weather cooled off. Thank God I read this article and did a bit more research! No more just taking someone’s word on what an herb is, I will always check first. Thanks for saving my life!

    Reply
  8. Chiggers don’t burrow they secrete saliva that digests skin. The itching is from those enzymes and you immune system.

    Reply
    • AND, by the time the bites start itching, the bug is LONG gone. Nail polish doesn’t help a bit but polish remover will burn enough to make you forget about the itch.

      Reply
  9. Great article! Thank you for taking the time to write this up.

    You helped me EASILY identify some unknown “wildflower” at my work as wild carrots. Like you, I quickly learned that it could have been poison hemlock, and wanted to know how to tell them apart.

    If you follow her well written advice, you will FIRST check for SMOOTH or HAIRY stem (or crimson center flower). Then, once you know you probably have wild carrots, you can do the smell test to know for sure. I smell everything, and thought it was neat that you included this as a way to ID.

    P.S. Playing with fire would be recommending the sniff test first!

    Reply
  10. Smell??!! You’re instructing people to tell the difference between two extremely hard to ID plants, one of which is incredibly deadly by smell? Playing with fire.

    Reply
    • They aren’t extremely hard to ID once you know what you’re looking for. 😉 Smelling the plant won’t hurt you, especially if you protect your hands if you have to pull the plant up or break it to smell it.

      Reply
      • I would HIGHLY suggest using disposable rubber gloves if you are going to be touching what may or may not be a poisonous plant, especially hemlock. My instructor in herb school told us a very noted and senior herbalist who was picking watercress, something she had done a million times, only this time there was just a time piece of what was later to be identified as an immature hemlock hidden in among the cress that she collected and ate. She died. She was well versed in herbs. Don’t take chances.

        Reply
    • They aren’t “extremely hard to ID” what-so-ever. Maybe to a beginner it might be tricky, but they are actually quite easy to identify. Although, I do agree that you’d have to be a pro to ID a plant alone by smell. Also…there are poison plants that smell like carrot, so that’s not a distinctive factor.

      Reply
    • Amy,
      You should still learn the difference. If you touch poison hemlock with your bare skin and the oils get into a cut or scratch, you could still be poisoned. At least wear gloves when you’re dealing with it, just to be safe.

      Reply
  11. My grandmother showed me the difference on her farm when I was little. I wish I had gotten seeds from her while she was alive because I have never seen it here. I want to try growing it myself. Does anyone know where I can get seeds? I can only find a domestic online.
    Thanks, Cheri

    Reply
    • Hi Cheri,
      Honestly, wild carrots aren’t worth trying to cultivate for food. The roots are small and not nearly as pleasant as garden carrots. I’d mainly only use them for survival food if I had to depend on foraging in the wild.

      Reply
  12. We used to put Queen Anne’s Lace in jars with food coloring and water. In mere hours, the flower heads would change color. They can then be dried and used in arrangements–beautiful!

    Reply
    • Thanks for sharing about putting Queen Anne’s Lace in jars with food coloring. I didn’t know that. Since watching Anne of Green Gables the Queen Anne’s Lace has been a all time favorite of mine. This year I started a section of land in my yard and am putting certain wild flowers in it. I love going y the road side and seeing all the Lace standing so tall and royal.

      Reply
  13. I have known about and loved Queen Anne’s Lace as I found it growing about our yard and property. I’ve never used it, even though I was quite aware that it was also wild carrot. Last weekend I was at the coast and saw what I thought was giant Queen Anne’s Lace growing all over our daughter’s in-laws’ property but was told it was Hemlock/wild carrot/Queen Anne’s Lace! They all said it was the same thing! It looked exactly as I always thought wild carrot looked so I was a bit startled. Obviously my wild carrots and theirs aren’t the same because over the years I’ve jerked some of mine up to feed to the horses and they are still fine, not to mention I have had no negative effects from handling it. Thank you so much for this incredibly clear article on the differences. I sent a link to my daughter so she will be able to identify the clear differences.

    Reply
    • I’d be very concerned about the “giant Queen Anne’s lace” because it’s likely hogweed. Touching hogweed can cause severe reactions, it doesn’t need to be ingested that one.

      Reply
    • Susan,

      I’d encourage you to do an online search to compare the leaves of both plants. Since we don’t have hemlock growing in this area, I can’t advise you from any personal experience.

      Reply
  14. 5/19/14 Poison Hemlock
    We have poison hemlock close to our garden. Our garden is called “Seeds of Harmony”. It is across the field. For years we had that in our garden. I was in charge to take of the poison hemlock. one summer day I had a workshop on poison hemlock. Myself, I am aware how dangerous plant it is. I told the gardeners if they see that plant in their gardens. Please let me know A.S.P. I will care of the hemlock. I read up on the poison hemlock. Like yesterday we go to a mtg with new gardeners. I gave them a lot of information.

    Reply
  15. Great article! I did not know about what to look for in the stems. My son recently had a burn/rash from contacting what I believe was either poison hemlock or water hemlock so I have been doing some research.

    One thing your readers may want to know is that even Queen Ann’s lace can cause phytophotodermatitis (the rash/burn caused by skin-contact with phototoxic sap plus exposure to sunlight), as can, strangely, celery and parsnips. Several other wildflowers in the same family also have this attribute. (See medscape link for more info.)

    Per Wikipedia… “the leaves of the wild carrot can cause phytophotodermatitis,[3] so caution should also be used when handling the plant.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daucus_carota#cite_note-3

    Reply
  16. I went out to look for edible plants in the field behind the house and boy am I glad I didn’t just yank up what I thought was a wild carrot. Hemlock is growing EVERYWHERE back there. But there are also some Queen Anne’s Lace, wild mulberries, and wild grapes. I’ve been studying the differences for awhile now and this is the best post on them I’ve seen. Thanks 🙂

    PS. Sarah, that’s hilarious XD

    Erin

    Reply
  17. Great article!! I planted carrots from seed this year (first time, not realizing how small they were) on a windy day, next thing I know I have carrots everywhere in my garden, coming up with the weeds. Then I started realizing they were not quite the same!! Most, I am finding out, are wild carrots, not from the seed that I have planted. I am glad to have found your article because I did not realize hemlock looked so much like the wild carrots!! Now I know and I will be on the lookout, Thanks for the great information.

    Reply
  18. Thanks!! Your article describes and pictures the two better than any I’ve seen!! Chickens coming soon and needed to know the difference!! I sure hope we have an abundance of the GOOD stuff!!!

    Reply
  19. Thanks for your post. Just a few days ago the kids had picked a queen ann’s lace flower and put it on the table in a vase. Later I was dishing out soup for lunch and some pollen got knocked into my daughter’s soup bowl. My husband and I both had recollections about something poisonous (probably we were thinking of hemlock) so we threw her soup out. I guess we’ll know better for next time. I was thinking it’s just a wild carrot, it should be fine. We’re actually trying to save carrot seed for the first time this year – we planted some carrots that managed to overwinter in the garden and their flower looks like queen ann’s lace!

    Reply
  20. I went on a walk out behind our property today to check on the blackberries and saw some Queen Anne’s Lace and thought of your post. I never knew its name or anything about it until I read your post. Thanks for the info. Also the blackberries have started to ripen and bright and early Monday morning I will be out picking.

    Reply
  21. My mother and I used Queen Annes Lace for a wedding ,it was beautiful!She used to arrange flowers and the couple didnt have alot of money to spend for flowers so they ask her to do it.

    Reply
  22. I read this post, walked outside, and gave a lesson to my son, because lo and behold, Queen Anne’s lace/ wild carrots showed up this year on my property. I had no idea they were edible. Thanks for the lesson!
    They are quite near our wild blackberries.

    Reply
  23. We have lots of Queen Anne’s Lace in our yard. Thanks for pointing out the differences with Hemlock.

    On a side note, chiggers. They don’t actually burrow into your skin so putting nail polish on will not help you. The larval mites inject digestive enzymes into you and form something like a straw to drink from. Once they get full they fall off and continue through their life cycle. By the time you notice the itchy spot the mite is already gone. The best way to try to prevent this is to shower and wash your clothes immediately after being in a place they live, the yard, woods, etc.

    I have really sensitive skin. When I get a chigger bite it looks like a giant purple hive. Some have been as big as oranges. Now I make sure to shower if I’ve been out in the yard. They are particularly bad here in WV this Summer.

    Reply
  24. We actually have a lot of hemlock in my neck of the woods… this is a very informative post and one I need to share with my child. Have you ever studied out deathcamas, it can sometimes be mistaken for garlic or onion, except without the smell. Link:

    Reply
  25. Thank you. My kids were pulling up wild carrots yesterday. I made them read this with me so they know the difference. And I’m going to make the jelly!

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  26. Awesome, I’m pretty sure (going to double and triple check now!) that we have a bunch of queen anne’s lace around. This is great to know! I always wondered if they were edible, now I know 🙂

    Reply
  27. I really appreciate the information on how to identify Hemlock, compared to Queen Anne’s Lace! I’ll be checking our property very carefully!

    Reply
  28. My plants teacher taught us to remember the difference of the stems by pulling up her pants leg to show her calf, which she had not shaved. She smiled and said, “Queen Anne has hairy legs.” My kind of lady!

    Now I will never forget!

    Do be careful everyone out there. Hemlock means serious business, just ask Socrates.
    Sarah

    Reply
    • Sarah,

      Oh my goodness, that is too funny!!
      My oldest daughter and I were just reading about Socrates’ death by Hemlock. I’d never heard that story before. It’s a great way to reinforce the danger of this plant and the importance of being able to confidently tell the difference.

      Reply
  29. We have wild onion, raspberries, strawberries, and herbs galore. No wild carrots. Too bad. Sounds delightful.

    Reply

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