American Wild Carrot

Daucus pusillus

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Apiaceae
Genus:
Daucus
Species:
Daucus pusillus

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may
Bloom Colors:
White

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Canada: British Columbia

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon), Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Commonly found in open, disturbed areas

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seed germination is stimulated by the presence of charred wood or aqueous extracts of it: 12% increase in germination as compared to control.

Establishment: D. pusillus is common on dry slopes below 5,000 feet elevation from British Columbia to southern California and northern Mexico. It is also found in the southeastern United States and within mattoral vegetation association of California. There is conflicting information on pre-planting treatments, with one protocol suggesting no treatment is required, while another suggests the use of charred wood or its aqueous extracts.

Source: npn.rngr.net