Sweet cicely

Myrrhis odorata

herb

⚠️ Toxic look-alike

Never eat this plant unless you are certain it is not its toxic look-alike.

It is an umbellifer, the family of poison hemlock and hemlock water dropwort, both deadly. Sweet cicely smells strongly of anise as soon as a leaf is crushed; its leaves are soft and hairy, often flecked with white at the base, and its long green seeds taste of licorice. Poison hemlock smells mousy, and its smooth stem is spotted with purple. Without a clear smell of anise, leave it.

If in the slightest doubt, leave it. If you feel unwell after eating it, even several hours later, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911.

Leaves and green seeds with a sweet anise taste, which soften sour fruits and flavor salads.

Origin: Mountains of Europe
Where to find it: It grows along streams and near chalets in the Vosges, the Jura and the Alps, and in Norway or Scotland around old farms that once grew it.
Season (United States): April to July
Preparation: The leaves are snipped raw; with sour fruit, a handful is cooked along with it.
Molecules: In small amounts, not counted Lutein and zeaxanthin · Falcarinol · Chlorophyll
Did you know?: It is added to rhubarb so that less sugar is needed.