Myrrhis odorata – Sweet Cicely

General Information: An elegant and tall “edimental” herb with feathery foliage and a large white flower cluster. The bush-like nature of the plant makes for an interesting addition to any herb garden, especially along borders, fences, and hedgerows. The foliage, flowers, and seed pods are all very sweet, with a slight Anise flavor and scent which is widely considered very agreeable. The dried leaves are a beautiful addition to herb mixtures and potpourri. The seed pods are rather unique, forming at the apex of the flower heads as each minute flower is pollinated. This often occurs sporadically, so a few pods will emerge among the rest of the opened flowers. In addition to edible qualities, this plant has numerous time-honored medicinal uses. The large white flower clusters attract pollinators.

Edible Qualities: Edible raw, dried, or cooked. The whole plant can be added to salads, soups, or other dishes to impart a sweet flavor. The fresh or dried leaves and stems, and the juice from boiled roots can be used as a sweetener when making preserves to reduce the acidity of very tart fruits. The acid-reducing quality of the plant is especially helpful for making foraged fruits such as Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. americana) more palatable. The immature seed pods, which are green and flexible, can be dried and pulverized and used as a sweetener or a spice. The mature seed pods, which develop a tough woody coating, are useful when chewed as a breath freshener!  A versatile and useful plant – the leaves can even be harvested in winter!

Cultivation Details: Grows very well in grassy areas. An un-fussy plant that can be easily transplanted and divided throughout the spring. Consider planting in an herb garden, along borders and edges, on Hügulkultur mounds, along foundations, or along woodland edges. The plant is self fertile. They will spread over time to form colonies and will reseed on bare ground. Harvesting and eating is the best way to control the spread of this plant!

Growing Requirements: Plant in full to part sun. Grows well in most soil types, including heavy clay soils. Prefers moist soils, especially those rich in organic matter. Suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils.