California sweet cicely – Osmorhiza brachypoda (oz-mor-EYE-zuh brak-ee-PODE-uh)
Family: Apiaceae (Carrot Family)
Native to: Mountains & foothills of CA from San Diego Co, north (Central and southern Sierra
Nevada Foothills, San Francisco Bay, South Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges (Santa Monica and
San Gabriel Mtns), Peninsular Ranges); moist ravines, coniferous forests, woodlands, 500-6500 ft.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Winter-dormant herbaceous perennial with fern-like foliage. Leaves are compound, hairy and have a
scent of licorice. Leaves arise from thick taproot. Plant has a pleasant, woodsy character.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring, usually Mar-April. Flowers tiny, green-yellow to white, in
clusters. Not super showy, but attract a wide range of insect pollinators. Seeds are flat, ribbed and
typical for the family.
Uses in the garden: Most often used in woodland gardens. Good under trees and in other shady
positions. Nice in combination with sedges, wildflowers like Baby Blue Eyes and Chinese Houses.
Does well in deep (at least 20 inch) containers, and will be green much of the year. Good habitat
plant. Root decoction used for coughs, colds. Infusion of foliage used to kill fleas (hair wash).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native herbaceous perennials.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food. Only known host plant for the
California endemic moth Greya suffusca. Attracts fly pollinators and small native bees.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade to quite shady.
Soil Well-drained soils; any local pH.
Water Likes moist soil. Regular water (Water Zone 2-3 to 3). Taper off in fall.
Fertilizer Yearly ½ strength for plant in containers.
Other Organic mulch.
Management: Prune out old leaves in winter if desired. Placement and water are key to success.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed; rinse in water several times before planting by cuttings: ?
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 13 1/4/17
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