White Queen Anne's lace

Filler · Apiaceae

Queen Anne's lace

Daucus carota

Also known as Wild carrot and Bishop's lace

Flat, lacy flower heads traditionally associated with sanctuary and delicate grace.

Colour: White

Traditionally, sanctuary and delicate grace.

Use in a bouquet All flowers
Peak season
Jun–Sep
Vase life
5–7 days
Birth month
—
Colours
2

What the Queen Anne's lace means

Queen Anne's lace is the wild ancestor of the garden carrot. Its name comes from a story that Queen Anne pricked her finger while making lace, leaving a single drop of blood, the dark red floret often found at the center of the flower head. Modern flower-meaning guides often read it as sanctuary or a haven. It grows wild along roadsides across Europe and North America and is a favorite of cottage and meadow-style arrangements. Florists also sell a lookalike, Ammi majus, under the same name, so check which one you have.

Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.

Often sent for

  • Just because
  • Thank you
  • Birthday
  • Get well

By colour

  • White Traditionally, sanctuary and delicate grace.
  • Dusky pink Often chosen for romantic, garden-style bouquets.

Keeping it fresh

Summer from farms and meadows; cultivated stems run from late spring to fall.

  1. 1 Sap can irritate skin in sunlight; wear gloves when cutting and arranging.
  2. 2 Give stems a long drink in cool water before arranging; they can flop if used straight away.
  3. 3 Remove foliage below the waterline; the ferny leaves foul water quickly.
  4. 4 Change the water every two days.

Pet safety

  • cats Non-toxic
  • dogs Non-toxic
  • horses Non-toxic

ASPCA lists Daucus carota as non-toxic, though its sap can irritate skin. Ammi majus, also sold as Queen Anne's lace, is listed as toxic.

Source: ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet eats any plant, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

Did you know

The dark floret often found at the center of a Queen Anne's lace head may help attract pollinating insects, though its purpose is still debated.

Pairs well with

Make your own Queen Anne's lace bouquet

Pick a vase, add a card, and share the link — no delivery van, no wilting.

Open Flower Studio