As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can tell you that Queen Anne’s Lace and Cow Parsley are two similar-looking flowers, but they do have some distinguishing features. One of the main differences lies in the presence of bracts beneath the umbels and umblets.
Queen Anne’s Lace, also known as Wild Carrot, is easily identified by the presence of bracts beneath both the umbels and the umblets. Bracts are leaf-like structures that are located just below the flowers. They can be green or sometimes tinged with purple. This feature is unique to Queen Anne’s Lace and can help in distinguishing it from other similar plants.
On the other hand, Cow Parsley, also known as Wild Chervil, only has bracts beneath the umblets. The bracts are absent beneath the main umbel, which is the cluster of flowers at the top of the stem. This is a key characteristic that sets Cow Parsley apart from Queen Anne’s Lace.
It’s worth noting that both Queen Anne’s Lace and Cow Parsley belong to the same family, Apiaceae, which is known for its delicate and lacy flower clusters. This is why they may appear quite similar at first glance. However, paying attention to the presence or absence of bracts can help in distinguishing between the two species.
Additionally, Queen Anne’s Lace occasionally exhibits a unique feature – a single purple flower in the center of the inflorescence. This small purple flower is often referred to as a “Queen Anne’s spot” or “Queen Anne’s button.” Cow Parsley, on the other hand, does not have this distinctive purple flower.
In my personal experience, I have encountered both Queen Anne’s Lace and Cow Parsley in various garden settings. It can be quite challenging to differentiate between the two, especially when they are growing together. However, by carefully observing the presence or absence of bracts beneath the umbels and umblets, and keeping an eye out for the occasional purple flower in Queen Anne’s Lace, it becomes easier to distinguish between these two beautiful flowers.
To summarize the main differences between Queen Anne’s Lace and Cow Parsley:
– Queen Anne’s Lace has bracts beneath both the umbels and umblets, while Cow Parsley only has bracts beneath the umblets.
– Queen Anne’s Lace may have a single purple flower in the center of the inflorescence, which is not present in Cow Parsley.
– Both flowers belong to the Apiaceae family and have delicate and lacy flower clusters, making them visually similar.
Understanding these distinctions can be helpful when identifying and appreciating these lovely plants in gardens and natural landscapes.
