How much sun does Lesser Sweet-cicely need?

Lesser Sweet-cicely grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Lesser Sweet-cicely bloom?

Lesser Sweet-cicely blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Lesser Sweet-cicely native?

Lesser Sweet-cicely (Osmorhiza depauperata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Lesser Sweet-cicely toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Lesser Sweet-cicely as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Lesser Sweet-cicely attract?

Lesser Sweet-cicely draws bees, beetles, and flies.

Is Lesser Sweet-cicely HOA-friendly?

Lesser Sweet-cicely takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Lesser Sweet-cicely

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Osmorhiza depauperata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Lesser Sweet-cicely (Osmorhiza depauperata) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Lesser Sweet-cicely as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Madrean Archipelago

Lesser sweet-cicely is a delicate woodland perennial with fern-like foliage and small clusters of white flowers in late spring and early summer. The plant grows 1-3 feet tall and thrives in partially shaded areas with average moisture. The plant has a refined appearance that works well in naturalized settings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Lesser Sweet-cicely 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.

Resembles common weedy plants in carrot family
May be mistaken for invasive species
Informal wildflower appearance doesn't suit formal landscapes

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract various beneficial insects including native bees, beetles, and flies during its May through July bloom period. This native plant provides nectar for pollinators while maintaining a relatively tidy garden presence.

Common questions

How much sun does Lesser Sweet-cicely need?: Lesser Sweet-cicely grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Lesser Sweet-cicely bloom?: Lesser Sweet-cicely blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Lesser Sweet-cicely native?: Lesser Sweet-cicely (Osmorhiza depauperata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Lesser Sweet-cicely toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Lesser Sweet-cicely as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Lesser Sweet-cicely attract?: Lesser Sweet-cicely draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Lesser Sweet-cicely HOA-friendly?: Lesser Sweet-cicely takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Lesser Sweet-cicely? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz