CICELY

cicely, _myrrhis odorata_ (natural order umbelliferae), a perennial herb with a leafy hollow stem, 2 to 3 ft. high, much divided leaves, whitish beneath, a large sheathing base, and terminal umbels of small white flowers, the outer ones only of which are fertile. the fruit is dark brown, long (3⁄4 to 1 in.), narrow and beaked. the plant is a native of central and southern europe, and is found in parts of england and scotland in pastures, usually near houses. it has aromatic and stimulant properties and was formerly used as a pot-herb.