Daucus pusillus

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Daucus pusillus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Daucus
Species: D. pusillus
Binomial name
Daucus pusillus

Daucus pusillus is a species of wild carrot known by the common names American wild carrot and rattlesnake weed. Its' Latin name means "Little carrot", or "Tiny carrot". It is similar in appearance to other species and subspecies of wild carrot, with umbels of white or pinkish flowers.[1]

The taproots are small, edible carrots. This is a common plant found along the west coast of North America from Baja California to British Columbia; as an example occurrence in Baja California, D. pusillus occurs in association with Mimulus aridus and Adiantum jordanii.[2]

Medicinal Properties[edit]

The Daucus Pusillus is not recognised by many Native Americans, but some, like the Navajo, ate it boiled and raw. They also discovered its medicinal properties, using it to clean cuts, and treat fever and snake bites. The Daucus Pusillus is also sometimes used to clean blood in modern medicine.[3]

Similar Plants[edit]

Daucus Pusillus is not to be confused with plants such as Poison hemlock. The one easy and obvious way to tell them apart is by looking for hairs on the stem. If there aren't hairs, you've got Poison hemlock, and if there are hairs, you've got Daucus Pusillus. [4]


  1. ^ Jepson Manual. 1993
  2. ^ C. Michael Hogan. 2008
  3. ^ Daucus Pusillus. 2013
  4. ^ Daucus Pusillus. 2013


External links[edit]

Photo gallery