Sweet Cicely

Sweet cicely is a hardy perennial herb native to central and southern Europe, especially mountainous regions. It is cherished for its fern-like leaves, aniseed aroma, and early spring growth, making it a valuable addition to the herb garden. Often grown near kitchens for easy access, sweet cicely is one of the first herbs to emerge in spring and is useful both culinarily and medicinally.
 
🍽️ Culinary Uses
Sweet cicely has a naturally sweet, anise-like flavor, making it a unique culinary herb that can reduce the need for sugar in recipes:
 
Leaves:
Use fresh or chopped into:
Fruit salads (especially with rhubarb or gooseberries)
Herbal teas and infusions
Custards and compotes
Salads and green sauces
Seeds:
Young green seeds have a sweet, chewy texture and strong anise flavor—excellent for nibbling or candying.
Roots:
Edible when cooked—mild and sweet, somewhat like parsnip or carrot.
🍬 Sweet cicely is a great natural sweetener in fruit dishes and preserves, especially useful in reducing sugar in rhubarb-based recipes.
 
🌿 Medicinal Uses
Historically, sweet cicely has been used as a digestive and respiratory remedy:
Digestive Aid:
Traditionally used to ease bloating, gas, and stomach cramps
Mild Expectorant:
Tea made from the leaves or seeds was used for coughs and chest complaints
Appetite Stimulant & General Tonic:
Included in herbal remedies to boost energy and support overall well-being
 
🌱 Growing Requirements
Sweet cicely is easy to grow, especially in cool, moist climates like the UK:
Location:
Prefers partial shade to full sun in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Thrives under trees or along woodland edges.
Care:
Water during dry spells, especially in the first year
Remove spent flower heads to encourage more foliage
Cut back in late autumn and mulch in winter
 
🐝 Garden Benefits
Pollinator-friendly:
Umbel flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and butterflies
Aesthetic Value:
Lacy foliage and creamy white flower clusters add ornamental appeal
Companion Planting:
Can help improve soil quality and attract beneficial insects
 
Genus: Myrrhis odorata
Aspect: Part shade
Type: Perennial
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 1 - 1.5 metres 
Spread: 0.5 - 1 metres