Botanical Name: Daucus pusillus
Family: Apiaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Apiales
Genus: Daucus
Species: D. pusillus
Synonyms:
*Babiron pusillum Raf.
*Daucus brevifolius Raf.
*Daucus hispidifolius Clos
*Daucus montevidensis Link ex Spreng.
*Daucus scaber Larrañaga
*Daucus scaber Nutt.
*Daucus scadiophylus Raf.
Common Names: American wild carrot and Rattle-snake-weed. Latin name means “little carrot”, or “tiny carrot”
Habitat: Daucus pusillus is native to Western N. America. It grows on the barrens, plains and dry hills. Streambanks, roadsides and waste areas in Texas.
Description:
Daucus pusillus is an annual/ binnial herb, growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). The herb grows erect, slender stem, usually single stem, short stiff hairs, bristly.Leaves are green; petiole long up to 6 inches, margins pinnatisect, 3 or 4 times. Flower are white; flowers on tip of slender stem surrounded by supporting structure of bracts, an involucre, fruit is oblong. Flowering Season is March to May, blooms later in California; April to June.
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.
Cultivation:
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.
Propagation:
Through Seeds – 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.
Edible Uses: Roots are edible -eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses:
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.
Known Hazards: Skin contact with the sap is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daucus_pusillus
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Daucus+pusillus
