False vs the real thing

On a previous post, I featured my False Queen Anne's Lace that grows in my cottage garden. I had lots of comments and even a few emails regarding what was different about the "false" and the weed that grows along the roadside. I literally walked across the street to snap a photo of the wild stuff that grows in the ditch.  I thought I would explain the difference.

 Click on the pic to see full size

As you can see, the false variety is more prolific in blooms that are larger and flatter in shape. They also do not have long tap roots as the wild one's do. They are from two different plant families, the wild ones are considered an invasive weed , but the false can be too if not thinned out early. I love my false variety as they intermingle with the other cottage flowers, and perfect for fillers in a bouquet.  But again, they have to be kept in check or they will quickly take over as you can see in some of my recent posts! Once you sow the seeds--you never will have to sow them again, they will be back every year, I promise!