Clayton Sweetroot
Osmorhiza claytonii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Clayton Sweetroot is a native woodland forb found across eastern and midwestern North America that blooms with small white flowers in May and June, thriving in partial shade with medium moisture.
Toxicity unknown
Clayton Sweetroot (Osmorhiza claytonii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies, beetles
Before you buy
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Sweet cicely is a delicate woodland wildflower with feathery, fern-like foliage and small white flowers in late spring. This native perennial thrives in partial shade and forms modest clumps that blend well with other shade plants.
Growing Clayton Sweetroot
Grow Clayton Sweetroot in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Clayton Sweetroot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Wispy appearance may look unintentional or weedy
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Delicate structure lacks the formal presence HOAs typically prefer
Wildlife value
The small white flower clusters attract various pollinators including native bees, flies, and beetles during its May-June bloom period.
Common questions
- When does Clayton Sweetroot bloom?
- Clayton Sweetroot produces small white flowers during May and June, making it an early to mid-spring bloomer in woodland settings.
- What pollinators visit Clayton Sweetroot?
- Clayton Sweetroot attracts various pollinators including bees, flies, and beetles that are drawn to its small clustered flowers.
- Where is Clayton Sweetroot native?
- This species is native to a wide range across eastern and midwestern United States, from Maine south to Georgia and Louisiana, and west to North Dakota, Kansas, and Nebraska.
- What growing conditions does Clayton Sweetroot prefer?
- Clayton Sweetroot thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions with medium moisture levels, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and natural areas.
- Is Clayton Sweetroot HOA-friendly?
- Clayton Sweetroot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Clayton Sweetroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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