Western Sweet-Cicely
Osmorhiza occidentalisfam. Apiaceae
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Pl. 747B — Osmorhiza occidentalis
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IOverview
Overview
Western Sweet-Cicely (Osmorhiza occidentalis) is a perennial herb found in the wild across western North America, from Alberta and British Columbia to California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Known for its edible roots and seeds, this plant thrives in moist environments with light or partial sun exposure. It prefers soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and has a growing range of pH 5.2 to 7.5. With a height of up to 1 meter, Western Sweet-Cicely can be recognized by its distinctive anise-like fragrance and is often used in culinary applications due to its sweet taste.
Quick answers
What is Western Sweet-Cicely?
Western Sweet-Cicely (Osmorhiza occidentalis) is a perennial herb found in the wild across western North America, from Alberta and British Columbia to California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Western Sweet-Cicely thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows up to 1 meter tall as a perennial herb. Propagate via root division or seed. Ensure the soil pH ranges between 5.2 and 7.5 for optimal growth. This plant is native to regions including Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Roots and seeds are edible parts of this plant.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.2–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Western Sweet-Cicely for the first time
8steps
Start with Western Sweet-Cicely as a simple perennial herb for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare soil with organic matter; ensure it's well-draining but moisture-retentive, pH 5.2–7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells; fertilize lightly in spring. Remove dead foliage as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain plant shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting mulching, not providing enough light, and over-fertilizing.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:RootSeed
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:DeodorantFragrancePest control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 11 native
Broader regions
native:Alberta, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, British Columbia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Apiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Apiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 747b1953-131d-4856-aea1-43c4d44aa4df
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