Family: Apiaceae
Chilean sweet cicely, tapering sweet-root
[Osmorhiza chilensis Hook. & Arn., more...]
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Emmet J. Judziewicz
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Osmorhiza: from the Greek osme, "odor," and rhiza, "root," meaning "odorous root," in reference to the fragrance of the crushed root
Plants: erect, perennial, 16"-32" tall forb; roots thickened
Leaves: toothed or lobed, 2 times pinnately-divided; lower leaves stalked, upper stalkless
Flowers: white to green, 5-parted, mature style shorter than the petals and curving outward; inflorescence a compound umbel with 3-6 stalked, few-flowered, bractless umbellets from the top and sides of the stem
Fruits: dry, slightly flattened and narrowing towards the top with a broad, beak-like tip, splitting into 2 seeds
Habitat: moist; cool forests
Conservation Status: Special Concern
Plants: erect, perennial, 16"-32" tall forb; roots thickened
Leaves: toothed or lobed, 2 times pinnately-divided; lower leaves stalked, upper stalkless
Flowers: white to green, 5-parted, mature style shorter than the petals and curving outward; inflorescence a compound umbel with 3-6 stalked, few-flowered, bractless umbellets from the top and sides of the stem
Fruits: dry, slightly flattened and narrowing towards the top with a broad, beak-like tip, splitting into 2 seeds
Habitat: moist; cool forests
Conservation Status: Special Concern
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 8 WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Rare Species Guide; description, conservation, photos, maps, etc.
Emmet J. Judziewicz
