Osmorhiza longistylis (Torrey) A.P. de Candolle. Common name: Anise-root, Smooth Sweet Cicely. Phenology: Apr-May; May-Jun. Habitat: Moist, fertile forests. Distribution: QC west to SK, south to s. GA, nc. TX, and ne. NM.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, C, Can, FNA13, G, K4, Mi, Mo2, NcTx, NE, NY, Ok, Pa, RAB, Tat, Tn, Tx, Va, W, Lowry & Jones (1979); = Osmorrhiza longistylis — S, orthographic variant; = Washingtonia longistylis (Torr.) Britton — S13; > Osmorhiza longistylis (Torr.) DC. var. brachycoma Blake — F, MC, WV; > Osmorhiza longistylis (Torr.) DC. var. longistylis — F, GrPl, Il, MC, WV; > Osmorhiza longistylis (Torr.) DC. var. villicaulis Fernald — F, GrPl, Il, MC. Basionym: Myrrhis longistylis Torr. 1824
Links to other floras: = Osmorhiza longistylis - FNA13
Show parent genus | Show parent in key(s)
Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FAC
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU
- Great Plains: FAC
- Midwest: FACU
- Northcentral & Northeast: FACU
Heliophily ⓘ: 3
Hover over a shape, letter, icon, or arrow on the map for definition or see the legend.
© Will Stuart | Original Image ⭷
© Erik Danielson source | Original Image ⭷
© Sonnia Hill | Original Image ⭷
© Sonnia Hill | Original Image ⭷
© Bruce A. Sorrie | Original Image ⭷
© Joey Shaw source | Original Image ⭷
© Bruce A. Sorrie | Original Image ⭷
© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷Feedback
See something wrong or missing on about Osmorhiza longistylis? Let us know here: (Please include your name and email if at all complicated so we can clarify if needed.) We greatly appreciate feedback, and will include updates from you in our next webapp update, which can take a few months. If a species is not keyed, that's because keying is ongoing. Please don't send us feedback about unkeyed species.
Horticultural Information
Intro: Erect perennial of moist, rich forests.
Stems: Stems stout, branched above, light green to reddish-green, may be smooth with hairs only at nodes or densely hairy.
Leaves: Leaves alternate, lower leaves petiolate and upper sessile, widely oval in outline and 2--3 times divided into 3, the ultimate leaflets pointy-tipped and toothed with hairs on veins beneath.
Inforescence:
Flowers: Flowers in sparse compound umbels at top of stem and from upper leaf axils; white; less than 1/4 in. wide; consisting of 5 petals with incurved tips, 5 white stamens, and an ovary with a divided style that is longer than the petals.
Fruits: Fruit a joined pair of narrowly elliptic, 5-ridged seeds that are slightly bristly along their ribs.
Comments: All parts of this plant smell like anise.
Height: 1-2.5 ft.
plant sale text: Smooth sweet cicely grows in moist, fertile forests throughout most of North America and is a charming addition to a woodland garden. It has delicate white flowers in umbrella-shaped inflorescences and divided, toothed fern-like leaves. Its leaves, roots, and seeds smell and taste like licorice, however be sure not to confuse this plant with the similar-looking poison hemlock.
bloom table text:
description: Erect perennial of moist, rich forests.
stems: Stems stout, branched above, light green to reddish-green, may be smooth with hairs only at nodes or densely hairy.
leaves: Leaves alternate, lower leaves petiolate and upper sessile, widely oval in outline and 2--3 times divided into 3, the ultimate leaflets pointy-tipped and toothed with hairs on veins beneath.
inflorescence:
flowers: Flowers in sparse compound umbels at top of stem and from upper leaf axils; white; less than 1/4 in. wide; consisting of 5 petals with incurved tips, 5 white stamens, and an ovary with a divided style that is longer than the petals.
fruits: Fruit a joined pair of narrowly elliptic, 5-ridged seeds that are slightly bristly along their ribs.
comments: All parts of this plant smell like anise.
cultural notes:
germination code: 6 (warm stratification for 1 month before cold stratification)
native range: throughout North America
0 unsaved edits on this page.