Smooth Sweet Cicely
Osmorhiza longistylis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Smooth Sweet Cicely is a native woodland forb found across eastern and central North America, blooming white flowers from May through July. This shade-tolerant plant thrives in moist soils and attracts bees, beetles, and flies.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 35 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Smooth sweet cicely is a native wildflower with delicate, fern-like foliage and small white flowers arranged in umbrella-shaped clusters. This shade-loving perennial blooms from May through July and goes dormant in winter, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
Growing Smooth Sweet Cicely
Grow Smooth Sweet Cicely 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
Smooth 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.
- Looks very wild and weedy to most homeowners
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Delicate appearance may be seen as unkempt
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies during the spring and summer blooming period. Seeds may provide food for small birds and wildlife.
Common questions
- Where does Smooth Sweet Cicely naturally grow?
- Smooth Sweet Cicely is native to a wide range across North America, from Maine to Georgia in the east, west to Montana and New Mexico, and south to Texas and Alabama.
- When does Osmorhiza longistylis bloom?
- Smooth Sweet Cicely produces white flowers from May through July, providing nectar for various pollinators during late spring and early summer.
- What pollinators visit Smooth Sweet Cicely?
- The small white flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies that feed on the nectar and pollen.
- What growing conditions does this plant prefer?
- Smooth Sweet Cicely thrives in partial shade to full shade with consistently moist soil, making it ideal for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
- Is Smooth Sweet Cicely HOA-friendly?
- Smooth 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Smooth Sweet Cicely? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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