Osmorhiza purpurea, commonly known as Purple Sweetroot, Purple Sweet Cicely, or Alpine Sweet Cicely, is a perennial herb native to the understory of montane forests, subalpine meadows, and streambanks in Western North America. It typically grows to a height of 1.5-3 feet (0.46-0.9 meters) and features compound leaves with a deep green color and a fern-like appearance. The plant produces clusters of small, white flowers in the spring, which are not particularly showy but have a sweet fragrance. The flowers give way to elongated, purple-tinged seed pods that add visual interest in the summer months.

Purple Sweetroot is valued for its aromatic foliage and roots, which have a sweet, anise-like scent. It is often used in woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and as a component of shade gardens due to its adaptability to lower light conditions. This herb is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium water and thriving in well-drained loam soils with rich organic matter. While it is not prone to serious pest or disease problems, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions. Additionally, it is appreciated for its historical use in traditional medicine and as a flavoring agent in culinary applications.CC BY-SA 4.0