Description
Myrrhis – Sweet Cicely –
There is a single species of a long lived, herbaceous perennials in this genus. It orginally occurs in the mountains of Southern Europe, now widespread in damp sites in Europe and Asia. It has compound umbels of fragrant small white flowers and delicate, fern like foliage. Flowers are followed by ribbed, shiny brown seeds. Grow in a mixed border, or in an herb garden. Self seeds freely.
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil dapple shade. Harvest leaves from early spring to late summer. To improve the flavor and quality of the leaves, remove the flowering stems as they develop. Divide in spring or autumn.
M. odorata – Garden Myrrh – Sweet Cicely – This perennial from Southern Europe grows 6′ feet tall and 5′ feet wide. From thick, hollow stems it carries soft, 2 or 3 pinnate, bright green leaves, to 18″ long, composed of deeply toothed, oblong to lance shaped pinnae. In early summer it bears compound umbels of small, star shaped white flowers, followed ridged, beaked, shiny brown fruit, to 3/4″ long. Anise flavored young shoots, leaves, and seeds provide sweetness when cooked with fruit.
Zones 3-7
