Weed of the Week

3-17-08

Wild Caraway, Carum carvi

             

Photo credits: Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, Emmet J. Judziewicz

 Characteristics:

Family: Apiaceae (Parsley family)

Origin: Europe and Asia

Description:

• Biennial and occasional perennial

• One or more shoots emerge from a single taproot

Stems:

• Slender, erect, furrowed and branching

• Hollow and 103 feet in length

Flowers:

• Small white or pinkish formed in Umbels

Leaves:

• Finely divided, lacy in appearance

• Alternate

Fruit:

• Seeds are narrow and curved 1/8" long with five linear ribs

Additional information:

Was introduced as a cultivated species that escaped.  Likes moist environment but can live anywhere.  The first year's growth is a leafy rosette.

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