Controlling Invasive Queen Anne’s Lace

You may be surprised to find the dainty beauty, Queen Anne’s Lace, is considered a noxious weed in at least 35 states and invasive in many. Brought here from Europe you’ll now find it growing along roadsides, in disturbed sites, and abandoned fields. Its aggressive nature makes it a threat to some native plants. 

This member of the carrot family blooms most of the summer. That means lots of seeds are released to start new plants wherever possible. Seeds sprout and form a rosette of leaves the first year. Flowers appear the second year, seeds are released and the parent plant dies. Then the cycle begins again.

Pull or mow plants before seeds develop. You must be persistent as there are thousands of seeds in the ground waiting to sprout. Keep nearby plantings healthy and vigorous so they can crowd out the Queen Anne’s Lace. 

A bit more information: This weed can also invade lawns. Keep your lawn healthy with proper care to discourage this and other weeds. You can spot treat with a broadleaf weed killer in the lawn if mowing and proper care are not effective.