2. Osmorhiza longistylis (Torr.) DC. (anise root, sweet anise, smooth sweet cicely)
O.
longistylis var. brachycoma
S.F. Blake
O. longistylis var. villicaulis Fernald
Pl. 209 c, d;
Map 871
Plants
(especially the roots) usually strongly anise-scented. Stems 50–100 cm long,
sparsely to densely pubescent with spreading hairs, sometimes glabrous. Leaf
blades 4–25 cm long. Leaflets 3–10 cm long. Rays 1.5–5.0 cm long. Styles longer
than the petals at flowering, 3–4 mm long at fruiting. Fruits 10–22 mm long. 2n=22.
April–June.
Scattered to
common nearly throughout the state (eastern U.S. west to Montana, Colorado, and
Texas; Canada). Bottomland forests, mesic upland forests, often in ravines, and
banks of streams; also shady, moist, disturbed areas.
The strong odor
of anise, particularly by the roots in this species, is caused by production of
an aromatic oil. A root extract (or the grated roots) of O. longistylis
occasionally is used as a flavoring in place of anise.