Garden myrrh (Myrrhis odorata, Fl. Carniol., ed. 2, 1: 207 (1771))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: (L.) Scop.

Bibliography: Fl. Carniol., ed. 2, 1: 207 (1771)

Year: 1771

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Myrrhis

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Europe to W. Balkan Pen.

Description

Garden myrrh, known scientifically as Myrrhis odorata, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to Central Europe and extends its range to the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. The species was first described in the work Flora Carniolica, second edition, volume one, page 207, published in 1771 by (L.) Scop.

Recognized for its pleasing anise-like aroma, Garden myrrh boasts numerous applications, both culinary and medicinal. Its feathery, bright green leaves are often used to enhance salads, soups, and stews, imparting a delicate, sweet flavor. Additionally, the seeds of Myrrhis odorata are sometimes utilized as a natural flavoring agent in a variety of dishes.

Beyond its culinary uses, Garden myrrh has been employed in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. Historically, it has been utilized to address digestive issues, acting as a carminative to help reduce gas and bloating. Moreover, herbalists have valued this plant for its expectorant properties, assisting in the relief of coughs and respiratory congestion.

In the garden, Myrrhis odorata is appreciated for its ornamental value. It thrives best in well-drained, fertile soil and prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. The plant blooms with small, white flowers that form delicate umbels, typically appearing in late spring to early summer. Following the flowering period, the plant produces elongated, dark brown seeds that are both aromatic and flavorful.

Garden myrrh propagates easily from seeds, which can be sown directly into the garden in early spring or fall. As a hardy perennial, it requires minimal maintenance once established, making it an excellent choice for herb gardens and ornamental borders alike.

Overall, Garden myrrh (Myrrhis odorata) is a versatile and attractive plant that offers both aesthetic appeal and practical uses, embodying the rich botanical heritage of the Apiaceae family.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-süßdolde, myrrhenkerbel, süssdolde, süßdolde
Eng: anise, garden myrrh, myrrh, sweet chervil, sweet cicely
Dan: eng-forglemmigej, fåblomstret forglemmigej, kærminde, opblæst kosakurt, skov-forglemmigej, sortrød kosakurt, spansk kørvel, sødskærm
Isl: engjamunablóm
Nor: engminneblom, gjerdeminneblom, skogminneblom, såpeblom, vårkjærminne, vill-kørvel
Swe: fåblommig förgätmigej, nonnea, ormöga, skogsförgätmigej, svartnonnea, saksankirveli, spansk körvel, äkta förgätmigej, körvel
Fin: harsulemmikki, kevätkaihonkukka, kirjonunna, luhtalemmikki, puistolemmikki, rusonunna, saksankirveli
Lit: kvapioji garduoklė
Pol: marchewnik anyżowy
Nld: roomse kervel
Fra: cerfeuil musqué, myrrhis odorant
Est: mesiputk
Spa: perifollo oloroso
Lav: smaržīgais mirris
Nob: spansk kjørvel
Nno: spansk kjørvel
Sme: duiskkagearvil
Cym: cegid wen, cegiden bêr, cegiden wen, creithig, creithig bêr, gwyn y dillad, sisli bêr
En: Garden myrrh, Myrrh, Sweet chervil, Sweet cicely, Anise, Cicely, Cow Chervil, Great Chervil, Smooth Cicely, Sweet Bracken
Ar: بقدونس إفرنجي
Bg: Смирна
Ca: Mirris
Zh: 欧洲没药, 甜芹
Hr: Čehulja
Cs: Čechřice vonná
Da: Spansk kørvel, Eng-Forglemmigej, Fåblomstret Forglemmigej, Kærminde, Opblæst Kosakurt, Skov-Forglemmigej, Sortrød Kosakurt, Sødskærm
Nl: Roomse kervel
Et: Mesiputk
Fi: Saksankirveli, Harsulemmikki, Kevätkaihonkukka, Kirjonunna, Luhtalemmikki, Puistolemmikki, Rusonunna
Fr: Cerfeuil musqué, “Cerfeuil musqué, Cerfeuil anisé”, Cerfeuil Perpétuel, Cerfeuil d’Espagne, Fougère Musquée, Gros Persil, Myrrhis odorant, Cerfeuil anisé, Myrrhe
De: Süßdolde, Myrrhenkerbel, Echte Süßdolde, Süssdolde, Alpen-Süßdolde, Anis-Kerbel, Körbelkraut, Myrrhen-Kerbel, Wohlriechender Körbel
Is: Spánarkerfill, Engjamunablóm
Ga: Lus áinleoige
It: Mirride delle Alpi, Finocchiella, Mirride Odorosa
Kk: Миррис
Ko: 시슬리
Lv: Smaržīgais mirris
Lt: Garduoklė, Kvapioji garduoklė
Se: Duiskkagearvil
No: Spansk Kjørvel, Engminneblom, Gjerdeminneblom, Skogminneblom, Såpeblom, Vårkjærminne, Vill-kørvel
Nb: Spansk kjørvel
Nn: Spansk kjørvel
Fa: چتردار شیرین
Pl: Marchewnik anyżowy
Gd: Mirr
Es: Perifollo oloroso, Dišeči kromač
Sv: Spansk körvel, Fåblommig förgätmigej, Nonnea, Ormöga, Skogsförgätmigej, Svartnonnea, Saksankirveli, Äkta förgätmigej, Körvel
Zh-tw: 甜芹
Zh-hant: 歐洲沒藥
Tr: Misk Maydanozu
Uk: Мірис запашний
Wa: Cierfouy di pidjon
Cy: Creithig bêr, Cegid Wen, Cegiden Bêr, Cegiden Wen, Creithig, Gwyn y Dillad, Sisli Bêr

Synonyms

• Myrrhis sulcata (Lag.)
• Myrrhis iberica (Hoffm.)
• Chaerophyllum odoratum ((L.) Crantz)
• Selinum myrrhis (E.H.L.Krause)
• Myrrhis odorata subsp. sulcata ((Lag.) Nyman)
• Lindera odorata ((L.) Asch.)
• Myrrhis odorata var. culta (Alef.)
• Myrrhis brevipedunculata (Hoffm.)
• Scandix odorata (L.)
• Myrrhis odorata var. sulcata ((Lag.) Alef.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• East European Russia (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Føroyar (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Iceland (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• North Caucasus (introduced)
• North European Russi (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Erika Huttner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2020 by Lisa (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2020 by Andrew Johnston (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Vicky Vicky Temperton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 22, 2020 by Lisa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2019 by Francine Guay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2022 by Tim Z. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2021 by ian h (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 28, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2020 by Alyona Appel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2021 by ian h (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2022 by Tim Z. (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 23, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Claude FIGUREAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034681)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:845120-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Myrrhis odorata (L.) Scop.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 7