clayton's sweetroot
Osmorhiza claytonii
USDA zones3 to 7
SunNeeds full shade (under 2 hours)
WaterNeeds moist soil
Sizeup to 3 feet tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- White
Notes
Clayton's sweetroot (Osmorhiza claytonii) is a perennial for woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full shade and moist soil. Small white flowers open in open clusters from late spring to early summer. Soft hairs cover the stems, which reach up to 36 inches tall. The roots smell like anise when bruised.
Pairs well with New York fern, Mapleleaf viburnum, Rosy sedge, and Yellow avens.
Native range
AL, AR, CT, DC, and 34 more places. See all 38
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV; MB, NB, NS, ON, PE, and QC.