Just a quick note for those who are not aware of the variation that makes it easy to identify these two plants. Although wild carrot is a domesticated version, the quick way of identifying one from the other are the stems. Queen Ann’s lace has a fine hairy stem. Wild Carrot has a smooth stem.
Wild Carrot grows with a tap root, while Queen Ann’s Lace is typically grown from seed.
Both need watch or they can control your garden, but they are both beautiful and used often in wedding flowers. Queen Ann’s lace is growing this year in my garden. It was planted last year…I don’t recall seeing it last year. Well, it’s been a crazy year, maybe it was there…My garden has been neglected this spring and early summer due to a wedding, and so many graduations. But soon, I will be attending to those weeds that are coming up. Have a great 4th of July everyone…. it’ll be here before you know it.
Hairy stem
smooth stem
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 