Contraceptive's Everywhere!!!
***Did you know?***
Daucus Carota was used as a contraceptive in ancient Egypt and Rome as well as in the early ages of Great Britain.
This week in the Plant Spotlight is: Daucus Carota, also known as Wild Carrot Weed or Queen Anne's Lace. It is found across North America, most commonly in the North-East along roadsides, in fields, meadows, or even right in your front yard! They are hardy and bloom from spring to late fall.
Daucus Carota was brought over to North America by the English, and thus it is a non-native plant. It's common-known nickname, "Queen Anne's Lace" refers to Queen Anne of England (1665-1714) and also because of the white flowers resemble a lace cloth. The spiny feather leaves of the plant give away its notable relationship to the domesticated orange carrot we see in supermarkets, and upon eating the leaves, you might taste the very distinguishable carrot-characteristic!
Cultivate the flowers and leaves for a nice addition to your afternoon salad. Or use the roots in your teas and stews for a spicy kick to the flavor. Daucus Carota is a noted herbal medicine for digestive disorders as it soothes the lining of the intestinal walls, and supports kidney, liver, and bladder function.
For more information:
Susan Weed: Queen Anne's Lace [Video Introduction]
Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants [Blog]
Carrot Museum [UK]
Edible Wild Food
Sister Zeus
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