Other common names:
Clayton's Sweetroot, Sweet Jarvil, Woolly Sweet Cicely Other scientific names: Myrrhis claytonii, Osmorhiza brevistylis, Washingtonia claytoni French names:
Osmorhize de Clayton Family: Parsley Family (Apiaceae) Distinctive features:
Fuzzy stem and leaves, sparse cluster of small white flowers. Similar species: • Aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis) - Very similar, but stems smooth. Anise-like smell. The flowers are denser, not as sparse. • Honewort (Cryptotaenia canadensis) - Flowers are smaller. • Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris) - Seeds have curly tips. Flowers: Spring; White; 5 parts (petals) Leaves: Alternate, Compound, Toothed Stem:
Fuzzy/woolly. Habitat: Forests Lifespan:
Perennial. Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 224 Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 52 ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario: 129 Native/Non-native:
Native Notes:
Sweet Cicely is very similar to Aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis). It is distinguished by its fuzzy stems (Aniseroot has smooth stems).
Photographs:
60 photographs available, of which 10 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
Overall view of a flowering plant. Note the fuzzy stems.
Closer view of the very loose flower clusters.
Closeup of a couple of individual flowers.
Typical young leaf.
A cluster of flower buds.
Seeds forming.
The remains of Sweet Cicely in the winter, showing its typical straggly growth form.
Typical branch pattern of this species.
Closeup of seeds. These persist through the winter.
