aniseroot
ExplorePlants
aniseroot
Osmorhiza longistylis
Aniseroot is a special plant that grows in shady places. It has pretty leaves and a sweet smell that attracts insects. Kids love to explore and find this unique plant in the wild!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The aniseroot is a leafy plant with an upright stem and large, fern-like leaves divided into three groups of three leaflets. It produces small, white, five-petaled flowers arranged in flat-topped clusters called umbels. Its mature seeds are dark, narrow, and covered in tiny, stiff bristles.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderApialesFamilyApiaceaeGenusOsmorhiza
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It's a cousin to carrots, celery, and parsley!
Its root tastes like sweet licorice when chewed!
Native Americans once used its root to soothe upset tummies!
Some people call it 'Sweet Cicely' because of its sugary flavor!
Special abilities
Ability
Sweet Scent Signal
Aniseroot's roots smell like licorice, which helps it attract animals that might spread its seeds.
Ability
Forest Forager
This plant has deep roots that allow it to absorb nutrients and moisture in shady woodland soils.
Ability
Hitchhiker Seeds
Aniseroot's seeds have tiny hooks that let them cling to fur, spreading far and wide!
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-90 cm
- Spread
- 20-45 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.3-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen
pollinates
Common drone fly
Syrphus ribesii
drinks nectar from tiny flowers
pollinates
Common eastern bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
visits the small white flowers
eaten by
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
browses on leaves and stems
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is aniseroot?
30-90 cm
How wide does aniseroot spread?
20-45 cm
How big are the flowers on aniseroot?
0.3-0.5 cm
When does aniseroot bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is aniseroot edible?
Yes
Is aniseroot toxic?
None
What is aniseroot's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is aniseroot pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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