Western Sweet-cicely
Osmorhiza occidentalis
Carrot family (Apiaceae)

The Western Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza occidentalis) flower is so tiny and so spread on long stems that it is easily overlooked. Seed pods, however, are very noticeable for they grow to almost an inch long on spreading stems and then they are certainly noticed when they are dislodged (easily) and are carried away on pants, socks, and dogs. Leaves are pinnate, pointed and serrated; stems are thick and swaying. Osmorhiza occidentalis can occur singly in open dry woods or in very large patches in moist woods. Compare this Sweet Cicely to its even more common close relative, Osmorhiza depauperata. Stems , leaves, seeds, and roots of both Sweet Cicely often have a pleasant anise flavor and aroma, thus its Greek genus name: "osmo" for "smell" and "rhiza" for "root." "Occidentalis" is Latin for "Western." Thomas Nuttall collected the first specimen of this species for science in what is now Oregon in the early 1830s.

Description

Perennial plants from 2 to 4' tall, strongly aromatic. Leaves pinnate. Petioles of lower leaves 2-12" long, the upper ones reduced. Lower leaf blades to 10" long, upper ones much reduced. Peduncles 2-8" long, Umbels 3-5 with elongated flower cluster stems (rays). Petals green-white to green-yellow. Fruit from 2/3 to nearly 1" long about 1/10" wide, black, with stiff hairs.

Field Marks

Airy, tall plant with light green pinnate leaves and large clusters of very tiny green-yellow flowers.

© Al Schneider