This article is about the European herb. For the American herb, see
Osmorhiza.
'Cicely' or 'Sweet Cicely' (''Myrrhis odorata'') is a
plant belonging to the
family Apiaceae, native to central
Europe; it is the sole species in the genus ''Myrrhis''. It is a tall
herbaceous perennial plant, growing to 2 m tall. The
leaves are finely divided, feathery, up to 50 cm long. The
flowers are white, 2-4 mm across, produced in large
umbels. The
seeds are slender, 15-25 mm long and 3-4 mm broad.
Cultivation and uses
Its leaves are sometimes used as a
herb, with a rather strong taste reminiscent of
anise; it is used mainly in
Germany and
Scandinavia. Like its relatives anise,
fennel, and
caraway, it can also be used to flavour
akvavit. Its essential oils are dominated by
anethole.
External links
★
Cicely - Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages.