Nikki Sue Nikon meets the Queen!

[fstopMike]

Queen Anne, that is!

Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota) is also know as wild carrot and the carrots we eat today were derived from this plant. The taproot of Queen Anne's lace is a carrot and is edible, however, a word of caution -- there is a very similar plant called Water Hemlock which is quite deadly, so I wouldn't recommend eating any!



There is also a single, dark purple flower in the center. Scientists believe the dark flower's function is for attracting insects. Legend has it that it is a blood droplet from where Queen Anne pricked herself when she was making the lace. Personally, I'm kinda fond of the legend.




As the flowers turn to seed, they contract and form a structure like a birds' nest. Here's an interesting fact! The seeds of the plant have been used for centuries as a contraceptive. The seeds can prevent implantation if taken immediately after.




Queen Anne's Lace is easily found on roadsides, in meadows, and places like this.




Nikki Sue discovered a lot about Queen Anne's Lace while she was taking her pictures. She hopes you've enjoyed sharing in her adventure with the Queen

[mechanic1300]

I always know there is going to be an interesting lesson when I click on your post. Once again you have not let me down. Great photos and most interesting story.

[Trader]

So that is Queen Anne's Lace. I have some of that stuff growing wild in my yard. Thanks.

[Sheriliz]

Nikki Sue is such a great instructor. I really enjoyed both the photos and the lesson. I have always liked Queen Anne' Lace.

[teedlepeep]

I'm not sure which is better the story or the shots, because both are excellent!

[Fred flyfisher]

Very cool shots MIke, love the narrative too. Great work!

[FoG]

Fascinating hmm I may have to do a lesson post one day from round these parts I always enjoy reading yours ... great shots (admits to no flower knowledge at all) I thought it was elder lol

[lyacadajar]

it is always worth my time looking at your posts - they are always beautiful, informative and interesting! bet NSN will still have a lot to share!

[angeleyes216]

I love the angle that you took on the 2nd one and the dark background...the next one nearly looks like a heart shape...all are really nice and thankyou for the information with them..very nice posting.

[fstopMike]

Originally Posted by mechanic1300

I always know there is going to be an interesting lesson when I click on your post. Once again you have not let me down. Great photos and most interesting story.

It didn't start out that way. I just thought to look it up while I was posting and found out lots of interesting stuff. Who would have thought it was the progenitor of the carrot!

Originally Posted by Trader

So that is Queen Anne's Lace. I have some of that stuff growing wild in my yard. Thanks.

Enjoy it and spread some seeds when they mature. It is a biennial so it grows during the first year and doesn't flower until the second.

Originally Posted by Sheriliz

Nikki Sue is such a great instructor. I really enjoyed both the photos and the lesson. I have always liked Queen Anne' Lace.

I have too, when it comes to plants and flowers, I like lacy, wispy things, so the Queen Anne's Lace has always caught my eye.

Originally Posted by teedlepeep

I'm not sure which is better the story or the shots, because both are excellent!

Thanks! I need to stop again with a tripod so I can get some better shots (meaning more like yours!)