Osmorhiza claytonii, Sweet Cicely


Sweet Cicely, spring, on a cloudy day.

Sweet Cicely is often one of the too often unnoticed plants of spring woodlands. Like the closely related Aniseroot, it occupies part-shaded to nearly fully shaded places one can often find the invasive garlic mustard. If you are removing garlic mustard, seed or plant Sweet Cicely in its place. The greatest difference between Aniseroot and Sweet Cicely is the soft hairiness of of Cicely and the lack of Anise scent when crushed. Both grow in similar conditions, although Sweet Cicely may be somewhat more tolerant of dry woods.

Blooms: white, May into June
 
Height: 2 feet

Conditions: part shade to shade, moist-medium to medium-dry soils

A group of Sweet Cicely receiving only morning sun, under the Sugar Maples.