Found northward, in rich, moist woods, blossoming in May and June.

The round, smooth stalk bears leaves at long intervals, and is in color green, running into dull purple. It is 1 to 3 feet in height.

The large compound leaf is 3 times divided, and has the general aspect of a fern leaf; the taper-pointed leaflets have strongly notched margins, and noticeable ribs; the texture is thin, and the color green.

The small flower has 5 somewhat unequal, heart-shaped, white petals, 5 stamens, and a long calyx.

The anise-like flavor of the large root renders it attractive to the palate of the herb-browser. The long seeds are armed with backward pointing prickles, and snatch rides on the wayfarer’s garments after the manner of the plebeian Beggar-ticks. Cicely is sweet, tall, and graceful in gesture, fine in the finish of its leaf joints, and distinguished by a few fern-like leaves; apparently a plant of good breeding. Where could its seeds have learned such a beggarly trick!