Contents
Description
Daucus Pusillus, commonly known as wild carrot, is a tiny and delicate plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. This species is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but it has also been introduced to other parts of the world, such as North America and Australia. Daucus Pusillus is an annual herb that usually grows up to 30 cm tall, although it can reach up to 60 cm in favorable conditions. It has a taproot that is edible and a stem that is finely grooved and hairy. The leaves are green and finely divided, while the flowers are white and arranged in umbels. The fruit is a dry and spiny structure that contains the seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus|| ———- | ——– | ———| ——–| ———— | ———-| ——– || Eukaryota| Plantae| Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Apiales | Apiaceae | Daucus |
Appearance
Daucus Pusillus has a delicate and intricate appearance that makes it an attractive addition to any garden. The plant usually grows up to 30 cm tall, although it can reach up to 60 cm in favorable conditions. Its stem is finely grooved and hairy, while the leaves are green and finely divided, giving them a feathery appearance. The flowers are arranged in umbels and are white, with five petals and five stamens. The fruit is a dry and spiny structure that contains the seeds. The taproot is edible and has a slightly sweet taste.
Care Guide
Daucus Pusillus is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you take care of your wild carrot:- Water: Daucus Pusillus prefers well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. Water your plant regularly, but make sure not to overwater it, as this can cause root rot.- Fertilization: Wild carrot does not require much fertilization. You can add a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.- Soil: Daucus Pusillus prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure to plant it in a location that has good drainage and has been amended with compost or other organic matter.- Sunlight: Wild carrot prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure to plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Daucus Pusillus can grow in a wide range of hardiness zones, from 3 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Daucus Pusillus is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases, such as:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. You can control aphids by spraying your plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. You can control powdery mildew by improving the air circulation around your plant and spraying it with a fungicide.- Root Rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. You can prevent root rot by ensuring that your plant is planted in well-draining soil and not overwatering it.
Habitat
Daucus Pusillus is a versatile plant that can grow in various habitats, such as meadows, fields, roadsides, and waste places. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil types. Daucus Pusillus is also a popular plant for butterfly gardens, as it attracts a variety of butterflies and other pollinators.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Daucus Pusillus edible?
A: Yes, the taproot of Daucus Pusillus is edible and has a slightly sweet taste.
Q: Can I grow Daucus Pusillus in a container?
A: Yes, Daucus Pusillus can be grown in a container as long as it has enough room to grow and is planted in well-draining soil.
Q: How do I collect seeds from Daucus Pusillus?
A: Wait until the flower heads have turned brown and dry before harvesting the seeds. Cut off the seed heads and store them in a dry place until they are needed.
Q: Is Daucus Pusillus toxic to pets?
A: Daucus Pusillus is not toxic to pets, but it can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Daucus Pusillus:- Daucus Carota (Wild Carrot)- Angelica Archangelica (Angelica)- Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel)- Petroselinum Crispum (Parsley)
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Daucus pusillus Michx. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=DAPU- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Daucus pusillus. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c416- Oregon State University Extension Service. (n.d.). Wild carrot. Retrieved from https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/wild-carrot
