Aristata Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza aristata)

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Osmorhiza aristata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from June to July. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - raw or cooked. Peeled and eaten raw. Aromatic. Young plant - cooked. Young leafstalks - cooked. Boiled or added to soups etc. — Root - raw or cooked.; Peeled and eaten raw.; Young plant - cooked.; Young leafstalks - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods in hills and low mountains all over Japan. Forests on mountain slopes or stream banks in grassy places at elevations of 250 - 1120 metres in many areas of China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)