Smooth sweet cicely (Osmorhiza longistylis, Prodr. 4: 232 (1830))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: (Torr.) DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 4: 232 (1830)

Year: 1830

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Osmorhiza

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Canada to WC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Smooth sweet cicely, scientifically known as Osmorhiza longistylis, is an intriguing perennial herb found across various regions in North America, notably extending from Central and Eastern Canada to the Western and Eastern United States. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, this plant is distinguished by its characteristic features and beneficial attributes.

Osmorhiza longistylis typically thrives in rich, moist woodland environments where it can benefit from partial shade and well-drained soil. One of its notable identifying features includes its finely divided, fern-like leaves which emit a pleasant anise or licorice-like aroma when crushed, making this plant not only visually appealing but also fragrant. During its blooming season, Smooth sweet cicely produces clusters of small, white, delicate flowers which contribute to the plant’s dainty appearance.

The plant’s blooming period generally occurs from late spring to early summer. The umbels of white flowers are not only attractive but also play an essential role in the local ecosystem by providing nectar and pollen for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Post-pollination, the plant produces slender, elongated seeds with bristles which facilitate the dissemination of the seeds via attachment to animal fur or feathers, aiding the plant’s propagation.

Historically, Osmorhiza longistylis has found its place in traditional medicinal uses by indigenous peoples, who utilized different parts of the plant to treat a variety of ailments. The roots, in particular, were often used for their supposed therapeutic properties, being aromatic and slightly sweet.

In gardening and landscaping, Smooth sweet cicely is appreciated for its aesthetic appeal and ease of cultivation. It can be incorporated into woodland gardens, native plant landscapes, or shade gardens where it provides a soft, feathery texture and a subtle, pleasant scent.

Research corroborates its documentation in the authoritative text, Prodr. 4: 232 (1830), under the authorship of (Torr.) DC., underscoring its botanical significance and classification history.

In summary, Smooth sweet cicely (Osmorhiza longistylis) is not only a plant of ecological and historical importance but also one that offers practical uses in various plantings, making it a worthy addition to any naturalistic garden or horticultural collection.

Common Names

Eng: aniseroot, longstyle sweetroot, smooth sweet cicely, anise-root, long-style sweet cicely, long-style sweetroot
Fra: osmorhize à long style
En: Smooth sweet cicely, Aniseroot, Longstyle sweetroot, Anise-root, Long-style sweet cicely, Long-style sweetroot
Fr: Osmorhize à long style

Synonyms

• Myrrhis claytonii (D.Dietr.)
• Osmorhiza longistylis var. brachycoma (S.F.Blake)
• Osmorhiza longistylis var. villicaulis (Fernald)
• Washingtonia longistylis var. bracycoma (House)
• Osmorhiza aristata var. longistylis ((Torr.) B.Boivin)
• Washingtonia longistylis ((Torr.) Britton)
• Osmorhiza villicaulis ((Fernald) Rydb.)
• Osmorhiza longistylis var. imbarbata (Salamun)
• Scandix longistylis ((Torr.) Koso-Pol.)
• Myrrhis longistylis (Torr.)
• Osmorhiza cordata (Raf.)
• Washingtonia longistylis var. villicaulis (J.M.Coult. & Rose)
• Osmorhiza villosa (Raf.)
• Uraspermum aristatum var. villicaule ((Fernald) Farw.)
• Uraspermum aristatum subsp. longistyle ((Torr.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 23, 2021 by Jen Eades (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2020 by benny B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by HEIDI DEL CARMEN SOSA SOLIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by J.R. B. (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2021 by Amy C (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 15, 2020 by jimseng jimseng (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Chantel (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2022 by michael wellems (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2021 by lori leaumont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2020 by jennifer ellwood (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 18, 2008 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2008 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2008 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2008 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2020 by Matthew Young (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 8, 2022 by Jesse Herb (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2008 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2008 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken May 28, 2013 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 12, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 16, 2014 by EOL − jen532 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 20, 2020 by Matthew Young (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2013 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2013 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034155)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:845559-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Osmorhiza longistylis (Torr.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth