Description
Botanical Information: Wild Carrot
Although wild carrot does smell like carrots, it lacks the bright orange roots which we have with our dinners. The carrots we know and love are cultivated varieties of one of the subspecies of this one, Daucus carota subsp. Sativus. This umbel is very variable in height, but it typically grows to 30-100cm.
Habitat
Like other umbellifer species, it features small white flowers which are clustered in dense umbels. Occasionally, the middle flower of the umbel may be red, pink or purple. The presence of the dark central floret has sparked debate surrounding its function since Darwin’s time, one speculation being that it mimics insects to either deter herbivory or attract pollinators. Wild carrot is very variable in height, but it typically grows to 30-100cm.
Benefits to Wildlife
Wild carrot is usually found along roadsides, in meadows and in unused fields. This umbel will grow in sunny areas with infertile and well-drained chalky soil. It will grow in most gardens too, though.
Conservation Status in the UK
This species is found across the UK, but is scarcer in Scotland. It does not face any major threats to its survival.
Ease of Growing
Simply plant your wild carrot in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist until the plant becomes established.
More Information
Species From the Same Habitat
Autumn hawkbit | Scorzoneroides autumnalis
Great Mullein | Verbascum thapsus
Scarlet Pimpernel | Lysimachia arvensis
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