Sweet Cicely

This is the North American cousin of myrrhis odorata, both herbaceous plant in the family Apiaceae. The lacey, light green leaves have a fern like appearance with delicate white umbel flowers up to 4 feet in height. The leaves and the root are known for their strong spicy/licorice fragrance, which is thought to be an aphrodisiac. The roots and leaves have beet traditionally used for digestive disorders, as an antiseptic wash, an eye wash, a poultice for wounds, an infusion to induce labor, and the fresh juice mixed with honey as a cough syrup. As a culinary herb, the young leaves and flowers are eaten in salads and also make a great infused vinegar. This useful plant was widely planted for culinary use at one time but now is only occasionally seen in an herb garden. Prefers part shade and a moist location. Will self sow many babies if allowed to go to seed! A very productive medicinal food plant loved by bees and other Pollinators and easy to grow. Hardy. Perennial. Zones 3-7.