Bishop's Weed, False Queen Anne's Lace
ammi visnaga
Also known as: ["Bishop's Weed","False Queen Anne's Lace","Toothpick Weed"]
Overview
A tall, airy annual herb with delicate, lacy white flowers resembling Queen Anne's Lace, native to Europe and North Africa.
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 visnaga |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sunny spot with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in direct light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday heat in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun for best blooms; partial shade acceptable; avoid hot afternoon sun in arid regions.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend with compost for better growth.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights but avoids frost.
Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize sparingly to avoid leggy growth; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or stem cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly or take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Keep moist and warm until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer for seeds; late spring for stem cuttings.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), humid, and bright but indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or perlite and peat moss for cuttings.
Hormone
Optional for cuttings, but can help speed up rooting.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks; cuttings root in 2–4 weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pruners, rooting hormone (optional), misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep seeds consistently moist; use bottom heat for faster germination; mist cuttings to maintain humidity.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadheading spent flowers; cutting back leggy stems to promote bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower heads to encourage reblooming and prevent self-seeding if desired.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead or faded flowers; trim leggy stems; sanitize tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot with drainage holes.
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil; gently tease out roots if pot-bound; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Not typically needed for outdoor plants; container plants may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil; check for root-bound issues; water after repotting.
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, focusing on the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom; avoid overhead watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; may suffer frost damage if temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C).
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch; flowering may decline in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season only.
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
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAmmi visnaga is not considered toxic to cats. Similar to dogs, ingestion of seeds in large amounts may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, but no significant toxic effects are reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicAmmi visnaga is not considered toxic to dogs. The seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities, but no severe toxic effects are documented.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicAmmi visnaga is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their emetic properties. The plant does not pose significant toxicological risks under normal exposure conditions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ammi visnaga edible?
A: While not commonly consumed, the seeds have been used traditionally for medicinal purposes, particularly for kidney stones.
Q: Does Ammi visnaga attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How tall does Ammi visnaga grow?
A: It typically reaches 2 to 3 feet in height, with some varieties growing up to 5 feet.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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