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Herbs - CulinaryHerbaceous Perennial

Myrrhis odorata

sweet cicely

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
anise
British myrrh
see moregarden myrrh
great chervil
myrrh
sweet bracken
sweet chervil
sweet fern
sweet Mary

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H5
Botanical 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

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