Osmorhiza longistylis aka Sweet Cicely

Osmorhiza longistylis is a perennial herb in the carrot family. Its common names include sweet cicely, sweet anise, and aniseroot. It grows wild across central and eastern Canada. Its range also covers west-central and eastern parts of the United States. It lives in rich woods, thickets, wooded slopes, and valleys. Some plants grow beside streams or in wooded ravines.

Branched stems reach 1–3 feet [0.3–0.91 metres] tall. Garden plants can spread to 3 feet [0.91 metres]. The stems are mostly smooth, with broad, divided leaves. Each leaf divides three times, giving it a fern-like look. The leaf edges have blunt teeth. Thick roots have a strong anise scent. Leaves and stems also give off an anise smell. These traits help explain the plant's several herb-related names.

Small white flowers open from May to June. They grow in compound umbels, with smaller clusters on branching stalks. The blooms provide a floral display above the divided leaves. This mix of flowers and foliage suits a woodland garden. It also fits native plant beds and herb gardens. Sources list it as both an herb and a vegetable.

Grow it in deep, fertile soil that stays moist. It accepts full sun or part shade. Dappled woodland shade is its preferred setting. Its water needs are moderate, and routine care is light. The Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 5–8. It reports no major insect or disease problems. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.

Several parts have food uses, according to the cited sources. Roots can be eaten raw or cooked. Their sweet anise taste also suits tea and food flavouring. Leaves and young shoots can be eaten raw in salads. Green seeds serve as a seasoning; dried seeds flavour cakes. The Missouri Botanical Garden also lists the flowers as edible. Roots can be dried for later herb use. Plants For A Future records past medicinal uses of the roots. These include poultices for wounds and tea for stomach complaints. Such records do not establish that these treatments work. That source lists no known hazards for the species itself. However, the plant resembles poisonous water hemlock. Wild harvesting therefore carries a serious risk of mistaken identity.