Also known as Bee's Nest · Bees' Nest · Bird's Nest
Wild carrot (Daucus carota), also known as Queen Anne's Lace, is an herbaceous biennial plant with delicate white flowers. Its root is edible, though typically small and
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers full sun for optimal growth and root development.
Moderate
50% intensity
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Hardy in most temperate climates. Can tolerate frost.
Low
25% intensity
Generally needs minimal fertilizer. Compost is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water wild carrot regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Mature plants are relatively drought-tolerant once established, requiring less frequent watering.
Pruning is not typically a requirement for wild carrot, as it is a self-sufficient plant.
However, if it becomes overly aggressive in its spread, you can cut back flowering stalks before they set seed to limit self-sowing. This also prevents it from exhausting its energy reserves.
Wild carrot is most commonly propagated by seed. Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or fall.
Seeds require stratification for best germination; this can be achieved by sowing them in autumn for natural overwintering or by a period of cold, moist stratification in the refrigerator for a few weeks.
Repotting is not applicable to wild carrot, as it is a biennial or perennial that is typically grown directly in the ground. If you are growing it in containers for specific purposes, repotting might be necessary only if the plant becomes root-bound, which is uncommon given its natural growth habit.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Wild Carrot (Daucus carota)
7 known issues from plant disease data
Alternaria Leaf Blight is a common fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on carrot leaves, often turning them yellow and eventually killing them.
Cercospora Leaf Blight on carrot causes small yellow flecks that turn tan to brown spots with pale centers, curled leaflets, and leaf blight.
Bacterial Leaf Blight on carrot causes small yellow areas that turn water-soaked brown lesions with halos, brittle centers, and blighted umbels.
Cavity Spot on carrot causes shallow dark depressed lesions across the root surface that enlarge into irregular cavities while leaves stay normal.
Aster Yellows on carrot causes yellow to reddish-purple tops, twisted small leaves, and many hairy secondary roots on thin bitter carrots.
Black Rot (Black Crown) on carrot causes black decay at the leaf-stalk base and crown, with black root lesions and stunted weak plants.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Daucus |
| Species | Daucus carota |
Similar in genus Daucus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
