• A close-up of the delicate white flowers of Osmorhiza berteroi, known as Mountain Sweet Cicely, arranged in small, airy clusters. Each tiny bloom forms a lace-like pattern against the backdrop of dark green foliage.
  • A spray of Mountain Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza berteroi) flowers extending from a slender stem, illuminated by dappled sunlight. The finely divided leaves contrast with the dainty, umbrella-shaped flower clusters.
  • A lush patch of Mountain Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza berteroi) thriving in a shaded understory. The plant's feathery leaves spread outward, while multiple flower stalks rise above, each topped with clusters of small white blossoms.
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Wild About Flowers

Osmorhiza berteroi - Mountain Sweet Cicely

Osmorhiza berteroi - Mountain Sweet Cicely

$8.00 CAD
$8.00 CAD
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Mountain Sweet Cicely is a delicate woodland perennial that thrives in moist, shaded forests and riparian areas. Its finely divided, fern-like foliage adds soft texture, while clusters of small, white flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, attracting native bees. Birds may also feed on its seeds. This native plant is valued for its aromatic, edible parts, the roots and seeds have a sweet, anise-like flavor and can be used as seasoning, while the young leaves are occasionally foraged for their mild, licorice-like taste.

Thriving in rich, well-drained soils, Mountain Sweet Cicely is a beautiful and functional addition to self-sustaining gardens, woodland plantings, and food forests, offering both ecological benefits and a connection to traditional foraging practices. Deer and other herbivores may browse the leaves, but it is not a preferred forage species.

How Easy Is This Plant to Grow?

Germination Difficulty: Experienced
Growing Difficulty: Intermediate
Speed of Growth: Moderate
Age to First Bloom: 2-3

Plant Sizes & Blooming Window

Important Information - The "Plant Sizes" are provided as a general guideline for plant selection. The "Blooming Window" indicates the general period when the species is in bloom, not how long an individual plant will flower.

Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions. Please scroll down to see the specific information for this plant.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seeds Per Package: 10

Light Conditions

  • Part Shade
  • Shade

Soil Conditions

  • Rich
  • Loam
  • Well Drained
  • Seasonally Moist

Height

  • 12" - 24"
  • 24" - 36"

Width

  • 12" - 24"
  • 24" - 36"

Bloom Colour

  • White

Month of Bloom

  • May
  • June
  • July

Vigorousness

  • Moderate

Deer Resistance

  • Moderate

Features

  • Birds
  • Bees
  • Fragrant
  • Attractive Seed Heads
  • Fall Color
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Edible Parts

Chinook Exposure

  • Moderate
  • Sheltered

Distribution Info

Native to western North America, including AB, BC, SK, and MB, and extending south through the western U.S. It grows in moist forests, shaded slopes, and riparian areas, often found in montane and sub-alpine woodlands.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Traditionally, Indigenous peoples used the sweetly aromatic roots as a food flavoring and mild medicinal herb, with infusions aiding digestion and respiratory health. The leaves and seeds, with their anise-like scent, were occasionally used as seasoning.