Scientific Name
Daucus carota
Common Name
Queen Anne's lace, wild carrot

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Apiaceae
Plant Description
Erect, biennial herb; leaves basal and alternate, 2-pinnately divided with narrow segments; flowers small, white, in a terminal, umbrella-shaped cluster; fruit small, dry, ribbed, with bristly hairs.
Origin
Europe.
Distribution
Throughout
Where Found
Weedy in disturbed areas, naturalized in pastures, along roads, fields, and waste places.
Mode
Dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Leaves.
Symptoms
Skin irritation from cell sap and in light.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Leaves, roots, flowers and seeds HARVEST TIME: Only collect plants from areas you know have not been treated with pesticides. Gather leaves during the spring. The roots are collected during the spring. Use flowers during the summer. The small seeds are found during late summer. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Wash edible parts thoroughly with warm water. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Cook as greens or use fresh in salads. Also, add to stews for seasoning. Parboil for a few minutes, pour off the liquid, and then cook until tender. Leaves can be dried and later added to other foods as seasonings. First-year root growth (those plants not blooming) are tender and are used like domestic carrots. When using older roots, remove the hard core after cooking, and allow the soft pulp and the juices to flavor the other foods cooked. The fresh flower heads can be battered and fried like fritters, or can be used to make jelly. Fill a pot full of fresh flowers, cook for 15 minutes, strain and add "Sure-gel" to the liquid as if making a fruit jelly. Final product is slightly gelled. Gather and use as a seasoning for soups and stews. In addition, the seeds can be used like caraway seeds to top breads. SOURCE: Larson, Ken. 1995. God's Free Harvest, Rhema Publishing, Inc., Suwanee, GA. 231 pp.
Toxic Principle
Falcarinol.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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