Queen Anne’s Lace

A few days ago, while Mom and I were jogging along the road, Mom pointed out some Queen Anne’s Lace! The pretty tall flower was growing along the roadside. Its white lacy head swayed in the breeze.

Queen Anne’s Lace is also called wild carrot, bird’s nest, or bishop’s lace. It is believed that the flower got its name when Queen Anne II was tatting some white lace. She poked her finger with the needle and a drop of blood fell onto the lace. That is why the flower has a little red spot in the center.

Queen Anne’s Lace is a biennial plant. In the first year of growing, it does not bloom, but only has ferny leaves. In its second year, the plant flowers and sends up blooms from June to August. Since it is in the carrot family, the roots can be eaten. They have to be gathered in its first year when the root is sweet and tender. Otherwise, it is woody and bitter.

  

When the beautiful flower begins to die and all of its color fades, the Queen Anne’s Lace blossom starts to fold, making it resemble a bird’s nest. That’s why it is sometimes called Bird’s nest. The white laced blossoms add extra prettiness when in a bouquet of flowers. I like to pick them. Queen Anne’s lace is an amazing flower.

~Samuel