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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Myrrhis odorata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedgerow;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed
Edible Uses: Tea
Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 5, 37, 52]. Excellent raw, the leaves have a delicious sweet aniseed flavour[9] and are liked by the majority of people who try them[K]. They are also used as a flavouring for vegetables[183], and are an important ingredient of the herb mix 'bouquet garni'[244]. 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[200]. The leaves can also be dried for later use[21]. 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[244]. Root - raw or cooked[1, 2, 5, 14, 37]. 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[9]. Seed - raw or cooked[1, 2, 183]. An aniseed flavour, it is usually used as a flavouring[14, 115] but can also be eaten raw whilst it is still green and before the fibrous coat has formed[1, 9]. It makes an excellent mouth freshener[K]. A tea is made from the leaves[183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiseptic Aromatic Carminative Expectorant Stomachic
The whole plant, including the seed, is aromatic, carminative, expectorant and stomachic[4]. It is useful in the treatment of coughs and flatulence, and also as a gentle stimulant for the stomach[4, 238]. The root is antiseptic and a decoction has been used to treat snake and dog bites[4, 244]. An ointment made from the roots has been used to ease gout and soothe wounds[244].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Polish
The leaves and the seed make good polishes for wood[4, 6, 115]. 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[5], giving a lovely glossy finish and an aromatic smell[244]. Invertabrate shelter, Nectary. Aromatic.
Special Uses
Attracts Wildlife Food Forest Scented Plants
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers a moist rich soil in a shady position[14, 52, 200]. Thrives in all soils[1] in sun or shade[111, 200]. This species is hardy to about -15°c according to one report[200] whilst another says that it is hardy to at least -20°c[187]. Plants often self-sow freely[200]. 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[4]. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 7 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures.
Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat.
The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C).
At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days).
For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread [1-2]. The root pattern is flat with shallow roots forming a plate near the soil surface [1-2]. The root pattern is a tap root similar to a carrot going directly down [1-2].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
The PFAF Bookshop
Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.
Shop Now
Propagation
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.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Plant Search
Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(L.)Scop.
Botanical References
17200
Links / References
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