Osmorhiza spp.

[Hristo]

Reminded by the european Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) thread I would like to start a thread about the american Sweet Cicelies - the Osmorhiza genus. I do not have any of them, so would like to learn more about them, especially about their taste/aroma. Any thoughts?

[stevil]

May 27, 2010 5:57:25 GMT -5 Hristo said:

Reminded by the european Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) thread I would like to start a thread about the american Sweet Cicelies - the Osmorhiza genus. I do not have any of them, so would like to learn more about them, especially about their taste/aroma. Any thoughts?

Hi Hristo

I've grown a couple of the North American species for some years, Osmorhiza claytonii and O. longistylis and both have proven perfectly hardy here. They are relatively small plants compared to Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis), but have a sweeter licqorice taste than Myrrhis. All parts are useful and it also has a sizeable root, but it's mainly the leaves, stems and young green seeds I use. However, probably more a curiosity in a garden although I'm sure they are excellent as a trail snack where they grow wild. Here's O. longistylis in my garden:



I can send you seed of both in the autumn if you would like to try.

Stephen

[Hristo]

Thanks Stephen, that will be great!

Looks like most of the species are quite interesting. That brings the question - why they are so unknown?!

This ebayer sells seeds of Osmorhiza occidentalis:
cgi.ebay.com/SWEET-CICELY-Osmorhiza-occidentalis-50-Seeds-/350257138170?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item518cf3c9fa