Woolly Sweet-Cicely, Clayton's sweetroot

Osmorhiza claytonii

Basic Information

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

Genus: osmorhiza

Plant ID (slug): osmorhiza-claytonii

Numeric ID: 26281

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Osmorhiza claytonii is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to South Dakota, North Carolina, Illinois, Nebraska and Kansas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Root - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[46, 105, 183]. Used for putting on weight[61, 161]. Leaf stalks - cooked and used as a vegetable[183]. The aromatic roots and unripe seeds are used as anise-like flavourings[183]. Pleasant to chew[207].

Medicinal Uses

Ophthalmic Poultice The root has been chewed or gargled as a treatment for sore throats[222, 257]. A poultice of the moistened pulverized roots has been applied to boils, cuts, sores etc whilst a tea made from the roots has been used to bathe sore eyes[222, 257].