Sweet cicely Myrrhis odorata
Sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Apiaceae family, native to Mountains of southern and central Europe (Pyrenees, Alps, Apennines, Balkans); naturalised in Britain. It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Sweet cicely at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, green seeds, root |
| Native to | Mountains of southern and central Europe (Pyrenees, Alps, Apennines, Balkans); naturalised in Britain |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Sweet cicely toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous, but beware look-alike wild umbellifers (hemlock, hemlock water-dropwort); only pick it from a known plant.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Sweet cicely
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Sweet cicely
- How far apart should I plant Sweet cicely?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Sweet cicely need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Sweet cicely need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Sweet cicely?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Sweet cicely flower?
- From about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Sweet cicely poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous, but beware look-alike wild umbellifers (hemlock, hemlock water-dropwort); only pick it from a known plant.
- What grows well with Sweet cicely?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sweet cicely. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Fern-like, aniseed-scented leaves; cooked with rhubarb and gooseberries it reduces the sugar needed. Likes cool, moist, part shade.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Parsley Petroselinum crispum
- Celery Apium graveolens
- Coriander (cilantro) Coriandrum sativum
- Dill Anethum graveolens
- Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
- Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- Florence fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum