Sweet Cicely
Myrrhis odorata
Also listed as Chaerophyllum odoratum, Lindera odorata
Also known as Cicely, Garden Myrrh, Sweet Chervil
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sweet Cicely grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Sweet Cicely is a fragrant woodland perennial with delicate white flowers and fern-like foliage that smells of anise. All parts are edible and the plant self-seeds readily, making it a low-maintenance addition to shade gardens.
Why grow it
Sweet Cicely offers a shade-tolerant perennial alternative to annual herbs like fennel or dill, with the advantage of reliable persistence once established. Unlike many edible perennials, it produces usable leaf and seed yields in its first season while requiring minimal fertilizer or pest management. The self-seeding habit means you can establish a naturalized patch with less ongoing maintenance than cultivated herb beds.
Watch out for
In cooler climates, seedlings may emerge erratically in spring, so mark planting areas to avoid accidentally disturbing dormant seeds. The plant prefers consistent moisture and can decline in hot, dry summers typical of continental interiors, making it better suited to temperate maritime regions. Young seedlings are sometimes slow to establish and can be outcompeted by more vigorous perennials in the first year.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apiaceae
Native Range
Southern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Sweet Cicely is a fragrant woodland perennial with delicate white flowers and fern-like foliage that smells of anise. All parts are edible and the plant self-seeds readily, making it a low-maintenance addition to shade gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sweet Cicely grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Sweet Cicely offers a shade-tolerant perennial alternative to annual herbs like fennel or dill, with the advantage of reliable persistence once established. Unlike many edible perennials, it produces usable leaf and seed yields in its first season while requiring minimal fertilizer or pest management. The self-seeding habit means you can establish a naturalized patch with less ongoing maintenance than cultivated herb beds.
Watch out for
In cooler climates, seedlings may emerge erratically in spring, so mark planting areas to avoid accidentally disturbing dormant seeds. The plant prefers consistent moisture and can decline in hot, dry summers typical of continental interiors, making it better suited to temperate maritime regions. Young seedlings are sometimes slow to establish and can be outcompeted by more vigorous perennials in the first year.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apiaceae
Native Range
Southern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.