Wild carrot. Hairy stem, one dark floret in the white lace, carrot-scented taproot.

Biennial. Flat white umbel often with a single purple floret in the center. Bracts under the flower are three-forked. Stem is hairy. First-year root smells like carrot.

Habitat

Fields, roadsides, worn pastures.

Season

June–September.

Size

2–4 ft

Field marks

Hairy stem; dark central floret; carrot smell

Only eat if you are 100% sure. Poison hemlock is hairless with purple blotches and a bad smell. When in doubt, skip it.