Wild Edible: Queen Anns Lace (Daucus Carota)

Wild Edible: Queen Ann's Lace (Daucus Carota)
Wikipedia Link

As there are plenty of wild edibles this time of year I thought it would be a good idea to begin documenting a few of them that I try this summer and this is the first post in that series. I wanted to start with something that is located nearly everywhere in North America and will probably continue with a few more widely available wild edibles. 

First of all my fair warning: IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE EATING DON'T EAT IT! If you are in a survival situation and have to eat something and are still unsure if the plant is safe please follow these steps (More Information HERE).

A few things about the taste: 1) the younger the plant the more like a carrot it will taste; 2) the older the plant the more like a tree root the plant will taste; and  3) if you bite into an older root tasting plant that still has a carrot taste try boiling the root for awhile to soften the root.

Easy ways to identify: 1) root tastes like carrots, 2) flowers look like lace, 3) some times there is a small purple dot in the center of the flower, 4) feathery leaves that resemble a carrot, and 5) roots are usually long, pale and thinner than your index finger.

*** Note- use caution that you are not obtaining Poison Hemlock as the two look a good bit alike (more information on Poison Hemlock HERE)***

 

So there it is! Roots you can put into a stew/soup, eat in a wild edible salad, etc. Feel free to comment, share your experiences or ask questions in the comment section.