Queen Anne's Lace: Nature's Lacework in Bloom
It is day 3 of National Wildflower Week and day 6 of Gardening for Wildlife Month! Today, I will discuss Queen Anne's Lace! Queen Anne's Lace, also known as wild carrot, holds ecological and symbolic significance, making it a fitting highlight during National Wildflower Week and Gardening for Wildlife Month. Its delicate, lace-like blooms attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, supporting biodiversity in gardens and wild spaces. The plant's umbrella-shaped flower heads provide an ideal landing pad for these pollinators, enhancing their role in ecosystems. Additionally, Queen Anne's Lace is a hardy and adaptable wildflower, thriving in diverse conditions and symbolizing sanctuary and resilience. Its presence in gardens and meadows not only adds beauty but also fosters a thriving habitat for wildlife.
Such a beautiful plant. I remember teaching you the difference between this beautiful plants look a like twin. lol
ReplyDeleteOne tale claims that the origin of the name “Queen Anne’s lace” comes from the lace that was popular during the days of King James I and his wife, Queen Anne, who lived between 1574 and 1619. Another states that the name comes from her headdress, which was lacy enough that it resembled the tightly-knit showy white flowers.
Queen Anne’s Lace also has a history of medicinal use. More than 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates prescribed crushed Queen Anne’s Lace seeds to prevent pregnancies. Modern research today suggests that there may have been some merit to this, so it is recommended that women who are pregnant or hoping to conceive should avoid both the flower heads and seeds.
Over the years, this flower has also had a variety of other uses. Herbalists historically used it as an antiseptic, to soothe the digestive tract, and as a diuretic. Others grated the root of Queen Anne’s lace and mixed it with oil to calm topical burns.
Consuming the purple bloom in the center of the flower was once believed to cure epilepsy.
Awesome post, love you daughter! I love how you are always trying to help people learn. There is always something new to learn.