Queen Anne’s Lace, also known as wild carrot, is a biennial plant native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and North Africa, and it has been naturalized in North America. The plant grows in the wild across Wisconsin, from May till October but, while naturalized it is not native to North America. Its scientific name is Daucus carota but it is sometimes referred to as wild carrot or bishop’s lace. It’s also known as bee’s nest or bird’s nest flower because the stems curl upward and form a cup-shaped basket that looks like a nest as its flowers ripen and form seeds. This beautiful plant is difficult to eradicate and can aggressively invade prairies competing with native plants. and difficult to eradicate. Prescribed fire can help to control it.

It attracts pollinators, provides habitat for beneficial insects, and improves soil quality. The delicate white flowers of this plant are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which contribute to the overall health of the local ecosystem. The flowers attract a variety of beneficial insects, including small short-tongued native bees, monarch butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. In addition to serving as a food source, Queen Anne's Lace provides cover for many small mammals and insects, making it a valuable habitat. Its foliage and roots are consumed by some animals, including whitetail deer, though it has limited value beyond this. While the plant's resilient nature allows it to thrive in diverse environmental conditions, it is especially important to specific insects like the eastern black swallowtail caterpillar, which utilizes it as a host plant.

Available for sale but on display through September 1, 2025.