Got an English cottage garden? Then, you should have some Queen Anne's Lace
flowers in it.
Not surprisingly, this flower originated in Europe. Queen Anne's Lace was
given its name for the lacy nature of the flower head. It was very popular
during the reign of who other than....... Queen Anne. Also known as Wild
Carrot, this wildflower is easy to grow, and is prolific in spreading it's
seeds by the wind. It can be found growing wild along roadsides and in fields
almost anywhere in the U.S. The field in the picture below, was farmed the
prior year. Left fallow, a field of Queen Anne's Lace quickly spreads.
Queen Anne's Lace is a biennial that normally grows three to four feet tall,
but can grow almost five feet in the right conditions. It's flowers are white
and sometimes pink. Being related to the carrot, it has a carrot-like root
that even smells like a carrot. Some suggest it is edible cooked, while others
say no. This doubt exists because Poison Hemlock can be easily mistaken for
Queen Anne's Lace, due to their similarities.
Did you Know? Queen Anne's Lace is a member of the Parsley family.
Look closely at a Queen Anne's Lace flower. You will see a tiny purplish-black
floweret in the center of the otherwise white flower? The black floweret
is sterile and will not produce seed. It is not known why nature put it there,
perhaps to attract pollinators.
While some flowers gardeners consider this an attractive flower, Queen Anne's
Lace is considered an invasive, or noxious weed in several states. It readily
displaces native wildflowers.
How to Grow Queen Anne's Lace Plants:
Brought to the U.S. from Europe, Queen Anne's Lace was originally used in
old Victorian gardens. It's tiny seeds are easily spread by the wind, and
it quickly spread around the landscape.
Growing Queen Anne's Lace is all too easy. All it takes to add them to your
field is to spread a few seeds around. Next, year, you will have plenty.
If you want some for a garden setting, spread the seeds in the location you
have chosen. They require little attention.
Queen Anne's Lace will thrive in poor soils and dry conditions. They do like
full sun.
Insect and plant disease do not appear to be too common. However, you may
experience plant disease problems in wet, humid weather.
Medicinal Uses:
Queen Anne's Lace has been used as an antiseptic diuretic for treatment of
cystitis and prostatitis. The seeds have been used to help wash out urinary
stones. The roots have been used as antacids, and a poultice of roots to
relieve itchy skin.
More Information:
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Queen
Anne's Lace medicinal uses.
