If you know the genus and species of this month’s mystery plant, you could win a free one-year subscription to Fine Gardening.
Send your entry by June 30, 2008 to [email protected] with “Mystery Plant #37 – June” in the subject line. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries.
Last month’s mystery plant was Myrrhis odorata, otherwise known as sweet Cicely. This ferny, aromatic perennial is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 7 and prefers dapples shade in moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Umbels of small, starry white flowers appear in early summer follwed by clusters of long, brown, ridged seeds. Young leaves and seeds have a pleasant anise flavor and scent, and are used to flavor desserts. This European native grows to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Jessie Adams of Wilsonville, Oregon, was chosen at random from all correct entries to receive a free one-year subscription to Fine Gardening. Jessie says, “I use it as a contrasting texture and appearance in a salad of mixed greens (also, the blooms are good in salad) and find it especially tantalizing as the primary flavoring for ice cream. It also may be used for a pretty accent or as a doily on a dessert plate. It is one of my favorites and when introducing certain herbs in my garden I always pluck a sweet Cicely leaf for a friend to taste and enjoy. It is certain to bring a smile.” Congratulations, Jessie!
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