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Common Name: Sweet Cicely

General Information

Myrrhis odorata is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Mountainous regions of Europe, including Britain.

Habitat

Grassy places, hedges and woods in hilly regions, often near human habitations[, , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Beetles
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist rich soil in a shady position[, , ]. Thrives in all soils[] in sun or shade[, ].
This species is hardy to about -15°c according to one report[] whilst another says that it is hardy to at least -20°c[].
Plants often self-sow freely[].
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[].
A good bee plant[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[, , , ]. Excellent raw, the leaves have a delicious sweet aniseed flavour[] and are liked by the majority of people who try them[]. They are also used as a flavouring for vegetables[], and are an important ingredient of the herb mix 'bouquet garni'[]. 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[]. The leaves can also be dried for later use[]. 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[].
Root - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. A similar flavour to the leaves[]. So long as it is not too old, the root can be boiled and mixed with other vegetables or added to salads[].
Seed - raw or cooked[, , ]. An aniseed flavour, it is usually used as a flavouring[, ] but can also be eaten raw whilst it is still green and before the fibrous coat has formed[, ]. It makes an excellent mouth freshener[].
A tea is made from the leaves[].

Medicinal

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

Other Uses

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

Propagation

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