Wild carrot - Daucus carota (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Edible)

Wild carrot

Also known as: Queen anne's lace, Bird's nest

The wild carrot is a common flowering plant with light, delicate flowers. Originally native to Europe and Asia, it has also spread to North America and Australia. Studies of historical paintings suggest that the wild carrot was cultivated in Turkey, Spain, and North Africa for centuries.

Scientific classification

Species

Wild carrot (Daucus carota)

Carrots, ivies and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Biennial, Annual, Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter

Harvest Time

15 cm to 1.2 m

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

3 cm to 7 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

White

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Wild carrot

Distribution of Wild carrot

Distribution Map

Wild carrot is indigenous to temperate regions but has been introduced and naturalized across a variety of climates including tropical, subarctic, and highland areas. Its cultivated form is widespread, thriving in numerous continents such as Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, and Oceania. As a result, wild carrot has established a global presence beyond its native habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Cultivated and wasteland, amongst grass

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value

Essential oils can be extracted from the fruit.

Garden Use

The wild carrot can be kept in gardens and beds. It is ideally grown in vegetable gardens and prized for its edible carrots. The wild carrot has many uses in a large vegetable garden, as it is said to improve Tomato plant production and be good for the climate and soil surrounding Lettuce plants.

Symbolism

Wisdom, purity, sanctuary

Interesting Facts

Freshly-cut wild carrot flowers can take on the color of the water they consume, making them great for simple science demonstrations. You simply color some water with food coloring, trim the flower stems (to ensure a fresh cut), and stick them in the water. When they take on the water's color, it shows how plants "drink" up moisture.

Name Story

Wild carrot: Many scholars believed that it is the ancestor of all hybrid carrots. The specific epithet, "carota" is derived from the Greek word, karôton meaning carrot. As it is often grown in the wild, so it is called wild carrot.

Queen anne's lace: This kind of flower looks similar to Queen Anne's lace, which is one of the prestigious clothing accessories. The red flower in the centre is thought to represent a blood droplet in which Queen Anne accidentally pricked herself with a needle while making the lace. Hence, it is called Queen Anne's lace.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Wild carrot, including the following common varieties :

Wild carrot 'Eskimo'Wild carrot 'Sweet Candle'Wild carrot 'Dara'

Toxicity

Wild carrot is toxic to both cats and dogs, with leaves, sap, roots, and seeds posing a poisoning risk through ingestion. Symptoms in pets include gastrointestinal upset and physical discomfort. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if poisoning is suspected to ensure proper treatment and care. Pet owners must prevent access to wild carrot to avoid accidental poisoning.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Wild carrot

2-pinnately divided leaves with feathery appearance, up to 20 inches (50 cm) long.

Lacy white flowers in umbel clusters with central deep purple florets, 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) wide.

Biconvex schizocarp fruit, ribbed with bristly hairs, forming a bird's nest-like structure.

Robust, hairy stem reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm) with sparse branching and rough texture.

Distinctive biennial growth pattern with rosette in first year and tall flowering stem in second year.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Wild carrot

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from temperate regions, wild carrot thrives in moderate moisture. It prefers consistently moist soil, requiring watering twice a week, while demonstrating moderate drought tolerance. Grown outdoors, wild carrot needs careful watering during its active growing season to support flowering.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of wild carrot, apply high-phosphorus and potassium fertilizers monthly during the growing season, adjusting for soil fertility. Benefits include improved vigor and potential flowering. Suspend during dormancy and apply away from the stem to prevent burns. Regular soil testing aids in nutrient management.

Pruning: Wild carrot features delicate, lacy leaves and umbel-shaped flowers. Prune spent stems in early spring for new growth, and thin in late spring to maintain shape. Regular pruning prevents overcrowding, encourages blooms, and reduces disease risk. Use sterilized tools for optimal results.

Propagation: The best propagation method for wild carrot is sowing in Spring, with moderate difficulty. Successful germination is marked by vibrant green seedlings. For optimal results, ensure adequate moisture and well-draining soil.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free