In the eye of the beholder

The Iowa state noxious weeds list contains a weed commonly seen in ditches and pastures. The non-native Daucus carota or wild carrot, better known in Iowa as Queen Anne?s Lace, can be invasive according to some sources and is considered a secondary noxious weed in Iowa. It is a biennial that closely resembles a typical garden carrot during the first year of growth. During the second year of growth, the plants produce stalks with white, flat-topped flowers. Landowners take note: According to Jefferson County weed commissioner Dan Miller such weeds should have been mowed or otherwise controlled by June 15. Iowa weed law section 317.10 states that the duty of owner or tenant??.shall cut, burn (county is under a current burn ban) or otherwise destroy, in whatever manner may be prescribed by the board of supervisors, all noxious weeds thereon as defined in this chapter at such times in each year and in such manner as shall be prescribed in the program of weed destruction order or orders made by the board of supervisors, and shall keep said lands free from such growth of any other weeds, as shall render the streets or highways adjoining said land unsafe for public travel. For more information go to http://www.weeds.iastate.edu/reference/weedlaw.htm