Wild carrot is a native wildflower species that was introduced to the Garden as part of the wildflower seed mix sown in Autumn 2022. It’s a good pollen and nectar source for many invertebrates, including wasps and hoverflies and as we were lacking any umbeliferous flowers in the Garden we certainly welcome its establishing. The term umbelifer refers back to the latin umbella, which basically means sunshade, which is apt for the shape of the flower head.
A stand out feature of Wild Carrot is the three forked fringe of bracts beneath the umbel as can be seen below, giving it an almost Jelly Fish vibe.
The pinnate leaves are shown below.
Wild Carrot also presents us with a little bit of a mystery, well at least on some of its umbels. If you look closely you will note that at the centre of the umbel the usually white flowers are replaced by a few deep red ones.
According to wikipedia the purpose of these dark flowers has been debated since Darwins time. With their presence often being associated with the pretence of being insects, thus suggesting the flowers are worth a visit.
Overall this tall solid stemmed wild flower is well worth finding a space for in the garden. Although there are many other unbellifers about that will do just as good a job at attracting invertebrates. Yarrow is easy to establish if you have trouble with Carrot or if you’re partial to a little fennel then that is a perfect alternative.
The above video shows a solitary wasp (we are still attempting to confirm the species) visiting the flowers. Many adult wasps feed in this way, despite the more often invertebrate parasitic nature of their larva.
DC: 26/06/2023
Wildlife Garden 