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Myrrhis odorata
  • Sweet Cicely

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

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Unknown
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 5
    Zone 5
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Myrrhis odorata has 0 edible uses listed
Myrrhis odorata has 0 material uses listed
Myrrhis odorata has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves - raw or cooked[1][2][3][4]. Excellent raw, the leaves have a delicious sweet aniseed flavour[5] 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'[7]. 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[8]. The leaves can also be dried for later use[9]. 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[7].

Root - raw or cooked[10][1][2][11][3]. 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[5]. Seed - raw or cooked[10][1][6]. An aniseed flavour, it is usually used as a flavouring[11][12] but can also be eaten raw whilst it is still green and before the fibrous coat has formed[10][5]. It makes an excellent mouth freshener[K].

A tea is made from the leaves[6].

Leaves

Unknown use

Root

Unknown use

Seed

Unknown use

Unknown part

Tea

Material uses

The leaves and the seed make good polishes for wood[13][14][12]. 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[2], giving a lovely glossy finish and an aromatic smell[7].

Unknown part

Polish

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The whole plant, including the seed, is aromatic, carminative, expectorant and stomachic[13]. It is useful in the treatment of coughs and flatulence, and also as a gentle stimulant for the stomach[13][15]. The root is antiseptic and a decoction has been used to treat snake and dog bites[13][7]. An ointment made from the roots has been used to ease gout and soothe wounds[7].

Unknown part

Antiseptic
Aromatic
Carminative
Expectorant
Stomachic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe since stored seed is difficult to germinate[10]. 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.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Myrrhis odorata. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a moist rich soil in a shady position[11][4][8]. Thrives in all soils[10] in sun or shade[16][8].

This species is hardy to about -15°c according to one report[8] whilst another says that it is hardy to at least -20°c[17]. Plants often self-sow freely[8]. 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[13].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Myrrhis odorata. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Myrrhis odorata.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Myrrhis odorata
Genus
Myrrhis
Family
Umbelliferae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]
Medicinal uses
[13][15][7]
Material uses & Functions
[13][14][12][2][7]
Botanic
[18][8]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    1 x 1 meters
    Fertility
    self fertile
    Pollinators
    Bees, Flies, Beetles
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

    "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.3 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.4 Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins ISBN 0-00-219060-5 (1974-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (1878-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Larkcom. J. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn (1980-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.57.67.7 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.58.6 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.410.5 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.211.3 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.212.3 Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
    13. ? 13.013.113.213.313.413.513.6 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Mabey. R. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana ISBN 0-00-635555-2 (1979-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.1 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    16. ? Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
    17. ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    18. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

    "image:Illustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Myrrhis_odorata&oldid=78820"
    Facts about "Myrrhis odorata"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyUmbelliferae +
    Belongs to genusMyrrhis +
    Has common nameSweet Cicely +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partLeaves +, Root +, Seeds + and Unknown part +
    Has edible useUnknown use + and Tea +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile +, Bee +, Flies + and Beetles +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone5 +
    Has imageIllustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material usePolish +
    Has mature height1 +
    Has mature width1 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntiseptic +, Aromatic +, Carminative +, Expectorant + and Stomachic +
    Has primary imageIllustration Myrrhis odorata0.jpg +
    Has search namemyrrhis odorata + and x +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy nameMyrrhis odorata +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +