Bishop's Flower, False Queen Anne's Lace

ammi majus

Also known as: ["Bishop's Weed","Drumstick"]

Family: Apiaceae Genus: Ammi Category: Flowers

Overview

An annual herbaceous plant with delicate, lacy white flowers resembling Queen Anne's Lace, often used in floral arrangements.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Ammi
Botanical Name: Ammi majus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; suitable for raised beds or containers.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil drainage or nutrient issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plants for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-draining, fertile loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid overwatering; amend with organic matter annually.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); thrives in summer heat; sensitive to frost.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when flowering slows; use organic options for gentle feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed; seeds are the most common method for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Prepare medium, sow seeds or take cuttings, maintain moisture, provide warmth, transplant once rooted.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining seed starting mix or a mix of peat and perlite.

Hormone

Not necessary for seeds; rooting hormone can help with stem cuttings.

Timeline

Seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks; stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks and establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Seed trays, rooting hormone, pruning shears, misting bottle, heat mat.

Quick Tips

Use fresh seeds for better germination; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut spent flower stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; trim leggy stems to maintain compact growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Clean tools, deadhead regularly, trim leggy growth, avoid cutting healthy stems unnecessarily.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot annually or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, water after repotting, place in appropriate light.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without disturbing the foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; use raised beds in heavy soils.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of frost damage or death in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors; avoid planting in late fall or early spring in cold regions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may become leggy.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type, dilute properly, apply during active growth, avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Ammi majus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Ammi majus can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Ammi majus may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting in Ammi majus, particularly root or stem rot, is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are susceptible to the phototoxic effects of furanocoumarins found in Ammi majus. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress and heightened sensitivity to sunlight, leading to skin irritation.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting lethargy skin redness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected, and ensure the animal is kept out of direct sunlight.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of Ammi majus by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and photosensitivity due to furanocoumarins. Prolonged exposure to sunlight after ingestion may exacerbate skin reactions.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian and limit sun exposure.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Ammi majus contains furanocoumarins, which can cause phototoxic reactions when ingested and exposed to sunlight. These compounds can lead to skin sensitivity and inflammation upon contact with UV light.

⚠️ Symptoms:
photodermatitis skin blistering itching
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion and prolonged skin contact, especially when exposed to sunlight. Wear protective clothing when handling the plant.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ammi majus toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How do I care for Ammi majus?

A: It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, with low maintenance requirements.

Q: Does Ammi majus attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a good choice for wildlife gardens.

Quick Reference
Family: Apiaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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