All Green Thumbs
Osmorhiza occidentalis (Sweet Root, Sweet Cicely)
This plant is in the carrot family (Umbelliferae) and has very narrow seeds. In the image to the right, note the blunt tips and the glabarous seeds (magnification approx. 100x). The plant has a distinct sweet anise like smell.
Wildlife
No information.
Ornamental
No information.
Natural History
The roots and seeds are used as a condiment. The roots are reportedly febrifuge, antiseptic, carminative, oxytocic, pectoral and stomachic. It has been used by native americans to help induce labor and to treat stomach aliments. A decoction of the roots and poultice of the roots was used on sores and rashed and to kill head lice. There are many other uses - some tribes called this plant "all heal".
The roots and seeds are considered a condiment and used in food flavorings.
Propagation
This sweetly aromatic plant likes full sun to partical shade under semi-closed canopy (scattered sunshine). Require moisture retaining soils and frequent watering.
Very limited supplies. Please email us for other plant materials.
References
Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest, University of Washington, Hitchcock and Cronquist.
Peterson's Field Guide: Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Foster and Hobbs.
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