Sweet Cicely

Sweet Cicely, also called Clayton's Sweetroot, is a perennial herb native to North America particularly valued for its aromatic properties and woodland adaptability. It grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall, featuring soft, finely divided, fern-like leaves that emit a sweet, anise-like fragrance when crushed. In late spring, it produces small, white umbel flowers, similar in appearance to those of its culinary relatives in the carrot family. These flowers are attractive to pollinators and give way to elongated, licorice-scented seeds by summer, which can be used as a flavoring in cooking. Sweet Cicely prefers shaded, moist locations with rich soil and is an excellent choice for naturalized areas, woodland gardens, or as an understory plant in shaded borders.

• Prefers consistently moist soil; water regularly, especially in dry conditions, to keep the soil evenly moist.
• Minimal pruning required. Remove old flower stalks to encourage foliage growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Thrives in rich, well-drained, humusy soils.
• Apply a layer of organic mulch to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Monitor for pests and diseases, though sweet cicely is generally hardy and has few major problems. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.