Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata)

*Designated an invasive species in the following states, no sale: AK

Sweet cicely is a very hardy early season perennial that requires little care once established in the garden. Hardy to zone 3, thier leaves have a wonderful aroma and are sweet to taste. Sweet Cicely is one of the first herbs to come up in the spring and thier flowers offer bees and other pollinators forage when very few flowers have yet to bloom. Hairy Stems are topped by a flat compound umbel that is made up of numerous smaller umbellets like tiny bursting stars of little white flowers. Each flower consists of 5 separate petals.

The leaves are fern like and have a strong aroma of anise, mixed with licorice. They can be eaten raw in salads and can be cooked either alone or along with other vegetables, added to soups, stews or other dishes. Medicinally, sweet cicely is helpful for gas, digestive discomfort, for stimulating appetite, for colds and cough as well as pulmonary challenges.