Apiaceae

Daucus carota

Common Names: Wild carrot

Plant Form: Erect biennial herb. Size: 30-150 cm tall. Stem: Ridged lengthwise, covered in short rigid hairs, occasionally hairless. Leaves: Up to 28 cm long in rosette, with a few alternating up stem, deeply divided with fern like appearance and carrot-like odour. Flowers: Many small flowers arranged in tight compounds 5-15 cm wide, wide branching, white to yellowish pink. Fruit and Seeds: Tiny 2-4 mm fruit covered in short spines. Habitat: Disturbed areas, roadsides, pastures, old gardens. Distinguishing Features: Larger than native carrots (Apiaceae). Easy to differentiate from Hemlock (Conium maculatum) by carrot smell and growth habit. Impacts: Harbours pest species, taints milk, competes for resources with native species.