Sweet cicely, << SIHS uh lee, >> is a European herb with fragrant leaves that taste much like anise. It grows about 3 feet (91 centimeters) high and has downy gray leaves and clusters of small white flowers. The seeds of the plant are used for flavoring in candies, syrups, and liqueurs. Europeans use the leaves in soups and salads. The roots may be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The term sweet cicely also refers to a group of related plants that grow in Asia, North America, and South America.