Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota) is a wildflower in the carrot family that can be found in fields and ditches across most of North America. Also known as wild carrot, bird's nest, and bishop's lace, this resilient plant thrives in sunlight and disturbs habitats. Its frilly white flower clusters look intricate and delicate but hide a taproot almost indistinguishable from its cultivated cousin.
Queen Anne's Lace has been used as food and medicine by indigenous peoples and European settlers. However, some confusion exists around toxicity and edibility. When foraging, identification needs to be absolutely certain.
Is Queen Anne's Lace Edible?
Yes! Properly identified Queen Anne's Lace is edible. The crisp taproot tastes like a mild carrot, the leaves have a parsley-like flavor, young flower buds and stems are good to eat raw or cooked. Once flowers bloom remove the bitter white base before consuming. And the seeds can be ground into flour.
Some people suffer mouth irritation from eating this wild edible. So first try a small portion and discontinue use if any discomfort occurs. Pregnant women should also avoid consumption due to uterine stimulation effects.
Queen Anne's Lace pairs well with rich meats like venison or rabbit as well as earthy mushrooms. To prepare, dig up first-year roots, scrub well, and use raw or cooked. Saute greens quickly in butter or oil to remove some bitterness. Candy the flowers or pickle flower buds for beautiful garnishes.
Is Queen Anne's Lace Poisonous?
Queen Anne's Lace itself is not poisonous and the roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds can be eaten. However, the plant is almost identical to poison hemlock especially when not in bloom. Consuming poison hemlock can be deadly.
When foraging, positively identifying Queen Anne's Lace is vital. Ensure no red spots or purple appear on the stem. Crush some leaves. Queen Anne's Lace smells like carrots while poison hemlock has an unpleasant musty odor. Getting an identification wrong has serious consequences, so when in doubt, seek expert advice.
Traditional Medicinal Uses of Queen Anne's Lace
Contraceptive properties
Historically, Queen Anne's lace has been associated with contraceptive properties. However, it is crucial to emphasize that relying on plants for contraception is risky and unreliable. The plant contains compounds that may interfere with early pregnancy, but its effectiveness and safety for this purpose are not established.
Diuretic
Some traditional uses suggest that Queen Anne's lace may have diuretic properties, meaning it could increase urine production. This property could be associated with the plant's potential ability to support kidney function and help with water retention.
Digestive aid
Queen Anne's lace has been used as a traditional remedy for digestive issues, including bloating and gas. It is believed to have carminative properties, which may help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
Menstrual regulator
In traditional medicine, Queen Anne's lace has been used to regulate menstrual cycles. However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited, and relying on this plant for menstrual regulation is not recommended without proper medical supervision.
The Bottom Line
Foraging Queen Anne's Lace provides both sustenance and medicine from this common wild plant. Take proper identification steps seriously to prevent poisoning. Then enjoy eats buds, roots, greens and seeds in various recipes.
Drink infusions or tinctures for minor urinary and digestive complaints. And create useful items like bug repellent skin salves. This versatile wildflower offers gifts in abundance for those willing to respectfully