Aniseroot, Longstyle sweetroot

Osmorhiza longistylis

Physical Characteristics

Osmorhiza longistylis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Ontario, Alabama, Tennessee, Kansas and Colorado.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Root - raw or cooked. Very sweet, aromatic and fleshy[222]. A spicy flavour similar to anise, the roots are chewed, made into a tea or used as a flavouring[105, 171, 183]. Leaves and young shoots - raw. An anise flavour, they are added to salads[177, 183]. The green seeds have an anise flavour and are used as a flavouring in salads, the dry seeds are added to cakes etc[183].

Medicinal Uses

Birthing aid Ophthalmic Poultice Stomachic A poultice of the roots are used in the treatment of boils and wounds[207, 222]. A tea made from the roots is stomachic[222]. It has been used in the treatment of stomach complaints, kidney problems, amenorrhoea, general debility, to ease childbirth and also to bathe sore eyes[222, 257].

Known Hazards

None known