Rattlesnake Weed, American wild carrot
Daucus pusillus
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Daucus pusillus is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. The seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Barrens, plains and dry hills. Streambanks, roadsides and waste areas in Texas.
Western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root - raw or cooked.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is antipruritic, blood purifier and febrifuge. A decoction has been used to treat colds, itches, fevers and snakebites. A poultice of the chewed plant has been applied to snakebites.
Antipruritic: Treats itching of the skin.
Blood purifier: Purifies the blood.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Other
Rating:
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
We have very little information on this plant, but it can be grown outdoors at least in southern Britain and probably in the north as well. It is likely to need a well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - sow August/September or April in situ. The seed germinates better if it is cold stratified, therefore the autumn sowing is liable to be more successful.
Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Skin contact with the sap is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people.