Osmorhiza berteroi

Common Names

Mountain Sweet Cicely, Sweet Cicely, Chilean Sweet Cicely, Mountain Sweetroot

Summary

Mountain sweet cicely is an aromatic perennial herb in the Apiaceae with erect stems reaching about 30–100 cm tall, biternate leaves with leaflets 2–8 cm long that are finely dissected, and a loose umbel of small white flowers atop tall peduncles; fruits are slender, 12–22 mm long. Native to western and northern North America, it grows in forest understory and woodland edges, typically in part shade.

Prefers part shade to shade with moist, rich soils and alkaline pH tolerance; hardy in zones 5–9; propagated by seed and often short‑lived, though it can reseed to form ground cover in shade. Roots and seeds are edible, and it has historical use as food and medicine by Native Americans; suitable for woodland gardens, shade borders, and naturalistic plantings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, rich, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils.

Soil pH

7.2-7.2

Bloom Color

White (greenish-white, occasionally yellowish)

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators