Myrrhis odorata
sweet cicely
M. odorata is an erect, aniseed-scented perennial with bright green, 2- to 3-pinnate leaves and white flowers in umbels, followed by spindle-shaped fruits
Other common names
aniseBritish myrrh
see moregarden myrrh
great chervil
myrrh
sweet bracken
sweet chervil
sweet fern
sweet Mary
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Myrrhis is an aromatic herbaceous perennial with fern-like leaves and umbels of small white flowers in early summer, followed by aniseed-scented fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in dappled shade. When used as a culinary herb remove flower stalks as they develop to improve the quality of the leaves
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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