sweet cicely
• noun
A perennial European herb (Myrrhis odorata) of the carrot family (Apiaceae), cultivated for its flat-topped umbels of small, fragrant white flowers and finely divided, fern-like foliage with a sweet anise scent.
"The shaded border of the cottage garden was brightened in late spring by the lacy white flower clusters of sweet cicely."
North American Any of several North American woodland perennial herbs of the genus Osmorhiza in the carrot family, bearing small clusters of white blossoms, aromatic roots, and elongated barbed fruits.
"Along the damp forest trail, patches of wild sweet cicely were recognizable by their delicate white blooms and anise-scented stems."
The aromatic, licorice-flavored leaves, seeds, or roots of the sweet cicely plant, used in cooking as a natural sweetener and culinary herb.
"Adding chopped sweet cicely to tart rhubarb desserts reduces the amount of refined sugar needed in the recipe."
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