Ammi majus aka Bishop's Weed

Ammi majus is an annual in the carrot family, Apiaceae. Gardeners also call it bishop's weed or false Queen Anne's lace. Its native range includes Macaronesia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. It grows upright, though some plants have a less even form. It suits flower beds, borders, meadows, and cottage gardens. It also grows in containers and gardens planted for pollinators.

Garden plants reach about 1.6–4 feet (0.5–1.2 metres) tall. NC State also lists heights up to 6 feet (1.8 metres). Plants spread about 1.5 feet (0.45 metres), reaching 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). The green stems lack scent, and the leaves have no hairs. Alternate green leaves divide into two or three pinnate sections. Their narrow leaflets have toothed edges and give the foliage a feathery look. Leaves can reach 0.67 feet (0.20 metres) long. Florists use this foliage to fill gaps in flower arrangements.

Small white flowers form dense, branched umbels above the leaves. Each flower head measures about 0.25 feet (0.08 metres) across. Bloom runs from early summer into autumn. Bees, butterflies, and other useful insects visit the flowers. The plant forms dry fruits called achenes. Birds eat the seeds from spent heads in autumn and winter. Cut flowers can last up to ten days in arrangements. The heads also serve as dried flowers.

Grow it in sun or partial shade, with good drainage. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk soils. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Sources describe suitable soil moisture as dry to moist. Sow seeds where plants will grow in spring. NC State advises waiting until the risk of frost has passed. Seedlings do not move well, and young plants may need support. Cut plants back after bloom to limit self-seeding. RHS rates its UK hardiness as H6. Both RHS and NC State report few serious pest or disease problems. It has escaped gardens and become invasive in parts of Australia.

PFAF records seeds as a condiment, but also reports safety concerns. Sap may make skin sensitive to sunlight or cause dermatitis. NC State lists leaves and seeds as poisonous to humans. ASPCA lists toxicity to dogs, cats, and horses. Reported effects include sun-related skin damage and mouth irritation. The plant has medicinal uses linked to skin pigment compounds. These uses do not establish safe home treatment or eating.