Weed of the week: Wild Carrot

Wild Carrot also known as Queen Anne's lace is a Weed Class C native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa. This weed is not known to be toxic. This is a noxious weed because it competes with native grasses for resources. It can taint milk if dairy cows ingest large amounts, and it may be mildly toxic to livestock. Wild Carrot may also cause poor seed production with commercial varieties through hybridization. This plant is also on the Washington State quarantine list. Please see WAC 16-752 for more information on the quarantine list. Wild carrot is an upright, tap rooted herb, reaching 1-4 feet tall. It may occur as an annual or short-lived perennial. Flowers are small, white and borne in compound flat topped umbels, resembling the spokes of an umbrella. The umbels are 2 to 4 inches in diameter and have purple or pinkish flowers in the center. Wild carrot is found in meadows, pastures, roadsides and waste places. It reproduces by seed. Estimates of seed production vary from 1,000 to 40,000 seeds per plant. Establishing and maintaining healthy stands of native, desirable vegetation can reduce wild carrot infestations. Since wild carrot and commercial carrot are the same species, classical biological control is not a viable option.

If you have questions about Wild Carrot or any other noxious weeds and their identification and control, we can help. Please contact Andy Lea at 360-795-3852.