Contents
Description
Osmorhiza Brachypoda, commonly known as sweet cicely, is a perennial herb that is native to North America. This plant can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and has a sweet anise-like scent. It has a fibrous root system and its leaves are compound and toothed. The flowers are white and are arranged in clusters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Osmorhiza |
Appearance
Sweet cicely has compound leaves that are fern-like and toothed. The leaves are green in color and can grow up to 30 centimeters long. The flowers are white and are arranged in clusters. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and has a sweet anise-like scent. The root system is fibrous.
Care Guide
Sweet cicely requires moderate watering and should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. It prefers loamy soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade and is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sweet cicely is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Habitat
Sweet cicely is native to North America and can be found in meadows, woodlands, and along streams. It prefers moist soils and can tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is sweet cicely edible?
A: Yes, sweet cicely is edible and can be used as a sweetener or flavoring.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of sweet cicely?
A: Sweet cicely has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues and coughs.
Q: Can sweet cicely be grown in containers?
A: Yes, sweet cicely can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.
Q: How often should sweet cicely be pruned?
A: Sweet cicely does not require regular pruning, but dead or damaged leaves and stems should be removed as needed.
Related Plants
- Osmorhiza Clayt.
- Osmorhiza Chilensis
- Osmorhiza Depauperata
- Osmorhiza Longistylis
References
- “Osmorhiza brachypoda.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 14, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c812.
- “Sweet Cicely.” NC State Extension. Accessed July 14, 2021. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/sweet-cicely.
- “Osmorhiza brachypoda.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed July 14, 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:845206-1.
