Plant Finder

Other Names:  Spanish Chervil

Ornamental Features

Sweet Cicely has masses of beautiful creamy white flat-top flowers at the ends of the stems in early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its fragrant ferny bipinnately compound leaves remain light green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Sweet Cicely is an open herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Sweet Cicely is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• General Garden Use
• Herb Gardens

Planting & Growing

Sweet Cicely will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.