PlantsHerbs & Teas
Aniseroot
Osmorhiza longistylis
Chicago-region native. Suited to zone 6a.
Anise-scented woodland herb
ModerateHerbs & TeasAlso Shade & GroundcoversEdible
- Light
- Part shade–shade
- Moisture
- Medium
- Mature size
- 1–2 ft
- Spacing
- 12–18 in
- Bloom or harvest
- Flowers Apr–Jun; roots/leaves aromatic
- How it spreads
- Clumping / self-seeding
- What to buy
- Plug or division for reliable residential establishment; seed for larger restoration areas.
- When to plant
- Apr–May; late Aug–Sep, finishing about six weeks before the first frost.
In the design
Use as a specialty woodland herb, not a beginner edible.
If you eat it
Leaves and roots have anise flavor
Positive identification is essential; Apiaceae has dangerous look-alikes
Only eat what you planted and can name. This is not a foraging or medical guide.
