Species sweet cicely
White flower with stigma, white style, white filament and hair, lime petiole and leaves, beige  anthers, olive stems, white midrib.

sweet cicely

Osmorhiza longistylis

Sweet cicely (Osmorhiza longistylis) is an attractive perennial herb with delicate fern-like foliage. Its lacy leaves are bright green, while its stems are spindly, becoming woody near the base of the plant. The sweet-smelling flowers are clustered and have white petals and a yellow center. Sweet cicely prefers shaded locations and can be grown in a variety of soils as long as it is kept moist. It is often grown in herb gardens and naturalized areas, thanks to its easy care requirements and its strong appeal to pollinators. Its seeds can also be collected, providing a flavorful addition to culinary dishes.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Sweet cicely will require regular watering, typically once a week. The plant should be soaked thoroughly and then allowed to dry out between waterings. During the summer months, the soil should be kept consistently moist, and extra water may be needed in extremely hot, dry weather. When in doubt, it is better to slightly underwater than overwater. In the winter months, sweet cicely should be watered far less frequently; typically every 1-2 months is sufficient.

sunlight

Sweet cicely is a shade-loving, perennial plant species that typically grows in moist, wooded areas. It prefers partial or filtered sunlight, ideally receiving 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Morning sunlight is preferable, since this species is more susceptible to sunburn if exposed to strong midday or afternoon sunlight. This plant should also be shielded from strong winds and dry temperatures.

pruning

Sweet cicely is a deciduous plant species that can tolerate light pruning throughout the growing season. Pruning should be done lightly and judiciously, as this species of plant does not respond well to harsh pruning. Pruning sweet cicely is best done in the late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. Cut out any crossing or crowded stems and thin out the canopy so that air and sunlight can reach the center of the shrub. If necessary, prune back young shoots to encourage branching, but don’t cut any older, established branches. Pruning should be completed in early spring, before the new growth begins to emerge.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Osmorhiza longistylis (sweet cicely) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Sweet cicely typically starts flowering in April or May.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Osmorhiza longistylis (sweet cicely) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map