Daucus carota - Ask Extension
I am a relatively new landowner in Vermont and I am planting my first garden here. I want to make sure not to plant anything invasive, even in my rais...
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Daucus carota #931846
Asked May 15, 2026, 3:20 PM EDT
I am a relatively new landowner in Vermont and I am planting my first garden here. I want to make sure not to plant anything invasive, even in my raised beds of cutting flowers. I was planning to plant chocolate queen Anne’s lace, Daucus carota, but I am concerned that it might be an invasive. I have Queen Anne’s lace in my fields, but I know that doesn’t mean that it is not invasive. I looked on the VT Invasives website and it wasn’t listed, but I did find other information on the internet that would indicate that it is invasive in Vermont and self-seeds aggressively. Hoping to get some clarification before I plant anything! Thanks in advance,
Addison County Vermont
Expert Response
Hi Susan,
Thanks for reaching out to UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline and congrats on buying a little piece of Vermont!
You're right it's not listed on VT Invasives but has the qualities that make it a good candidate and other states have listed it as such.
Short answer is probably best to avoid planting Daucus carota in your garden. If you'd like it for arrangements or otherwise, you should be able to find it elsewhere.
I found a colleague had answered a similar question last month that goes into more detail if you're interested: https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=929771
Good luck with the new garden!
