Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus Carota) is a pretty common wild flower here in Ohio. The waist high flowers seem to spring up everywhere. Vacant lots, road sides, and fallow fields have all been declared fair game. Once established, the flower spreads rapidly, creating fields of gorgeous white blooms. Just as the last of the lillies spells the height of summer, to me, Queen Anne's lace heralds the end of summer.
There is a story behind the plant's name. In the center of each mature bloom is a dark red flower that is used to attract insects. This small bloom is said to be a drop of blood that fell from Queen Anne's hand as she pricked herself with a needle while was weaving the lace.
While researching the plant for this post, I discovered that as early as the 5th century, the seeds of the flower were collected in the fall and used as an effective contraceptive. Moderns studies have verified the results. Evidently those ancient peoples knew a thing or two about not having babies. That might explain why all those ancient women liked it when their man brought home flowers to her. Good boys!
tim mcmurdo 