Anise (Myrrhis odorata)

Sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a fragrant perennial herb with fern-like leaves and white flowers, used as a culinary herb and medicinal plant.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers partial shade to full sun. Protect from intense afternoon sun in hot climates.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Soil

Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in humus-rich loam.

Temperature

Grows best in moderate temperatures. Can tolerate light frost.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer in spring if growth appears weak. Avoid over-fertilizing.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers partial shade to full sun. Protect from intense afternoon sun in hot climates.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Soil

Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in humus-rich loam.

Temperature

Grows best in moderate temperatures. Can tolerate light frost.

Ideal: 15-25 °C

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer in spring if growth appears weak. Avoid over-fertilizing.

Annual compost incorporation recommended.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Medicinal, Foliage

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.6-1.5 m

Spread

0.6-1.5 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Semi-dormant in winter

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Compound, pinnate

Flower Size

0.5-1 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jun

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Chaerophyllum odoratum (L.) Crantz

Lindera odorata (L.) Asch.

Myrrhis brevipedunculata Hoffm.

Myrrhis iberica Hoffm.

Myrrhis sulcata Lag.

Scandix odorata L.

Selinum myrrhis E.H.L.Krause

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderApiales
familyApiaceae
genusMyrrhis
speciesMyrrhis odorata

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Yes

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, particularly in warmer months. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.

Cut back dead or damaged stems as needed. After flowering, you can deadhead to prevent excessive self-seeding or cut back the plant to encourage a tidier appearance.

Easily grown from seed sown in autumn or early spring. Can also be propagated by division of established clumps in early spring.

Established plants generally do not require frequent repotting. If grown in pots, repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil and manage root growth.

FAQs

Is sweet cicely edible?

Yes, sweet cicely is edible. Its leaves and seeds have a sweet, anise-like flavor and are used in salads, desserts, and as a sugar substitute.

What is the best way to grow sweet cicely?

Sweet cicely thrives in partial shade to full sun with moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Regular watering is important, especially during dry spells.

Does sweet cicely spread aggressively?

Sweet cicely can self-seed readily. While not typically considered invasive, it's advisable to deadhead flowers if you wish to control its spread in the garden.

When does sweet cicely bloom?

Sweet cicely typically blooms from late spring through summer, usually from May to July, producing clusters of small white flowers.

Can sweet cicely be used for medicinal purposes?

Traditionally, sweet cicely has been used in herbal medicine for various ailments, though scientific evidence for efficacy is limited. Consult a healthcare professional before use.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers partial shade to full sun. Protect from intense afternoon sun in hot climates.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Soil

Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in humus-rich loam.

Temperature

Grows best in moderate temperatures. Can tolerate light frost.

Ideal: 15-25 °C

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer in spring if growth appears weak. Avoid over-fertilizing.

Annual compost incorporation recommended.

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, particularly in warmer months. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.

Cut back dead or damaged stems as needed. After flowering, you can deadhead to prevent excessive self-seeding or cut back the plant to encourage a tidier appearance.

Easily grown from seed sown in autumn or early spring. Can also be propagated by division of established clumps in early spring.

Established plants generally do not require frequent repotting. If grown in pots, repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil and manage root growth.

FAQs