Sweet Cicely

About Sweet Cicely

Sweet Cicely is a delicate and aromatic woodland perennial that adds a soft, feathery texture to any shady garden. Reaching one to three feet in height, this plant features beautiful, fern-like foliage that is deeply divided and covered in fine, soft hairs. In late spring (May to June), it produces airy, flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers that seem to float above the leaves, attracting a variety of small native bees and beneficial insects. Following the blooms, it develops unique, elongated black seeds that are known as 'sticktights' because they easily hitch a ride on passing wildlife. Native to rich, moist forests across eastern and central North America, it is an indicator of healthy, productive ecosystems. It thrives in full to partial shade and prefers medium-wet to medium-dry soils. Sweet Cicely is not only beautiful but also provides important forage for woodland pollinators. Its graceful form and ease of care make it a wonderful choice for naturalized shade gardens, woodland borders, or along shaded pathways.