Queen Anne's Lace

Description:

You can differentiate this Old World import from the native American wild carrot (Daucus pusillus) by the presence or absence of a single dark "red" (*I* think it look smore purple or brown or sometimes even black) flower in the center of the large and attractive flower head. Both are edible (but potentially confusable with Poison Hemlock, so be careful!)

Habitat:

Native to temperate regions of Europe, southwest Asia and naturalised to North America and Australia. USDA has listed it as a noxious weed, and it is considered a serious pest in pastures. It persists in the soil seed bank for two to five years

Notes:

Fun fact: "The name Queen Ann’s Lace was adopted because Queen Ann of Great Britain was adept at making lace. They carried the allusion farther by saying the red flower in the middle is when she pricked her finger and a drop of royal blood fell on the flower." ---- from http://www.eattheweeds.com/daucus-carota...