Practical
Plants

Myrrhis odorata

Sweet Cicely

a perennial member of the Myrrhis genus in the family Umbelliferae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Myrrhis
Life cycle
perennial
Height
1 m
Spread
1 m
Fertility
Self fertile, Bees, Flies, Beetles
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Flies, Beetles

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Leaves - raw or cooked[8][15][13][16]. Excellent raw, the leaves have a delicious sweet aniseed flavour[18] and are liked by the majority of people who try them[K]. They are also used as a flavouring for vegetables[6], and are an important ingredient of the herb mix 'bouquet garni'[12]. They can be cooked with tart fruits in order to reduce their acidity[14. 183]. The plant produces fresh leaves from late winter to early the following winter[9]. The leaves can also be dried for later use[10]. It is best to prevent the plant from flowering if the leaves are required for culinary use, because they lose their flavour when the plant is in flower[12]. Root - raw or cooked[1][8][15][4][13]. A similar flavour to the leaves[K]. So long as it is not too old, the root can be boiled and mixed with other vegetables or added to salads[18]. Seed - raw or cooked[1][8][6]. An aniseed flavour, it is usually used as a flavouring[4][3] but can also be eaten raw whilst it is still green and before the fibrous coat has formed[1][18]. It makes an excellent mouth freshener[K]. A tea is made from the leaves[6].

Plant part
Leaves
Plant part
Root
Plant part
Seed
Product or use
Tea

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The whole plant, including the seed, is aromatic, carminative, expectorant and stomachic[14]. It is useful in the treatment of coughs and flatulence, and also as a gentle stimulant for the stomach[14][11]. The root is antiseptic and a decoction has been used to treat snake and dog bites[14][12]. An ointment made from the roots has been used to ease gout and soothe wounds[12].

Product or use
Antiseptic
Product or use
Aromatic
Product or use
Carminative
Product or use
Expectorant
Product or use
Stomachic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The leaves and the seed make good polishes for wood[14][17][3]. You just rub them over the wood and then rub the wood with a clean cloth to remove any greenness. It is particularly good on oak panels[15], giving a lovely glossy finish and an aromatic smell[12].

Product or use
Polish

Environment

Range
Mountainous regions of Europe, including Britain.
Habitat
Grassy places, hedges and woods in hilly regions, often near human habitations[14][18][5].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe since stored seed is difficult to germinate[1]. The seed can be sown in an outdoor seedbed or, if supplies are limited, it can be sown in pots in a cold frame. Thin the seedlings in the outdoor bed as necessary (eat the thinnings) and transplant the young plants into their final positions in the following spring. Prick out the pot-grown seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in spring. Division in spring or autumn. Remove the tapering tap root and cut the remaining root into sections with at least one eye per section and replant in their permanent position.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a moist rich soil in a shady position[4][16][9]. Thrives in all soils[1] in sun or shade[2][9]. This species is hardy to about -15°c according to one report[9] whilst another says that it is hardy to at least -20°c[7]. Plants often self-sow freely[9]. Sweet cicely used to be quite widely cultivated as a food plant but is now only occasionally grown in the herb garden. This is a shame since it is an extremely useful and tasty plant to grow and can provide food all year round[K]. A good bee plant[14].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  2. Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge 1926-00-00

    ↩

  3. Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain.

    ↩1↩2

  4. Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-87857-262-7

    ↩1↩2↩3

  5. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

    ↩

  6. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩

  8. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩1↩2↩3

  9. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  10. Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-553-23827-2

    ↩

  11. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩

  12. Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30725-8

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  13. Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. 1878-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  14. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  15. Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-00-219060-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  16. Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn 1980-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  17. Mabey. R. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-00-635555-2

    ↩

  18. Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

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