Cicely |
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| Common Name | Cicely |
| Scientific Name | Myrrhis odorata |
| Pronounced like "Sicily," this herb goes by other names as well: Sweet Cicely, Myrrh Flower, Sweet Chervil, Anise Fern, and Shepherd's Needle. Throughout Europe, cicely is found in hedges, on the edges of woods, and on mountainsides. Its botanical name, Myrrhis, comes from the Greek and means "perfume." However, though the plant is strongly scented, there is no recorded history of its being used for its scent. Old herbals do mention that cicely leaves can enhance a salad. Medicinally, it is believed to be a general tonic and appetite stimulant, and is considered mildly laxative. It is also believed helpful in treating coughs. In ancient times, a root decoction boiled in wine was administered in case of bites by poisonous snakes, spiders, and mad dogs. | |
| Plant | Hardy perennial, to - 20ºF (- 29ºC). The long, thick roots send up lacy, delicate, green leaves with finely cut pairs of leaflets resembling those of a fern or tansy. White flowers, which appear in late May and early June, are followed by dark brown seeds about 1 inch long. |
| Height | 2 to 3 feet. |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-drained. |
| Exposure | Shade or partial shade. |
| Propagation | Seeds planted in autumn during the third lunar phase, while they are still fresh. The seeds take up to 8 months to germinate, producing seedlings by the following spring. The plant self-sows freely. Roots of mature plants can be divided in fall or early spring. |
| Care | Transplant seedlings to their permanent positions in spring, spacing them 2 feet apart. Cicely is a good plant for a shady flower garden. |
| Part used for Tea | Leaves. |
| Taste | Sweet, anise-like. |
| How to Brew | By INFUSION: 1 teaspoon of dried leaves, or 3 teaspoons of fresh leaves, to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep to taste. |
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