Anise comes in many forms—sweet, spicy, bold, or minty. From classic anise seed to dramatic star anise and fragrant fennel, each brings its own twist to teas, baked goods, and savory dishes.
Types of Anise: Exploring Flavorful and Fragrant Cousins
When you hear “anise,” you probably think of a sweet, licorice-like taste. But did you know several very different plants offer that flavor? From true anise to star anise and even herbs like fennel and tarragon, these aromatic species share a common flavor compound—anethole—but differ in how they look, grow, and taste. Here’s a closer look at each type of “anise,” including culinary uses, fun facts, and health benefits.
Plant Type: Annual herb with feathery foliage and white umbrella-shaped flowers
Native Habitat: Eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia
Flavor: Sweet, mild licorice with soft floral and mildly spicy undertones
Culinary Uses: Popular in cookies, liqueurs, breads, herbal teas, and spice blends for meat or mulled drinks.
Health Benefits: Traditionally used to ease digestion, relieve gas and bloating, soothe coughs, and support lactation. Contains antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds.
Fun Fact: The “aniseed” used in baking comes from this plant—and was once believed to ward off nightmares!
Plant Type: Tropical evergreen tree that produces star-shaped seed pods
Native Habitat: China and Vietnam
Flavor: Bold, sweet-spicy licorice with earthy depth
Culinary Uses: Used in Chinese five-spice, pho broth, braised meats, herbal teas, and festive beverages like mulled wine.
Health Benefits: Antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant-rich. Contains shikimic acid (used in flu medications). Traditionally used to support digestion and relieve colds.
Fun Fact: Though unrelated to true anise, it’s one of the key spices in masala chai and is valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Plant Type: Hardy perennial with feathery foliage and edible bulb and seeds
Native Habitat: Mediterranean region
Flavor: Milder licorice with fresh herbal and green undertones
Culinary Uses: Fennel seeds are used in spice blends, teas, and sweets; the bulb is great roasted, grilled, or fresh in salads.
Health Benefits: Known for aiding digestion, reducing bloating, and easing cramps. Seeds are often chewed after meals to freshen breath and support gut health.
Fun Fact: Roman gladiators reportedly ate fennel to gain courage—and it’s still a favorite in Ayurvedic medicine today.
Plant Type: Evergreen tree with aromatic, star-shaped fruits
Native Habitat: Japan
Flavor: Aromatic but toxic—contains harmful neurotoxins
Uses: Used exclusively for incense, spiritual rituals, and ornamental purposes
Health Warning: Not edible. Consumption may cause serious neurological effects including seizures.
Fun Fact: Often confused with edible star anise—make sure you always buy from a trusted source to avoid contamination.
In Summary
While all these plants offer some variation of licorice-like flavor, each one has its own story, uses, and health benefits. From the sweet seeds of true anise to the bold star-shaped spice of star anise and the herbal touch of fennel or tarragon—there’s an “anise” for every garden and every kitchen.
Comparing Flavor & Use
Common Name
Botanical Name
Family
Flavor Notes
Common Uses
True Anise
Pimpinella anisum
Apiaceae
Sweet, mild, licorice
Baking, teas, liqueurs
Star Anise
Illicium verum
Schisandraceae
Intense, spicy, warm
Broths, mulled drinks, five-spice
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Apiaceae
Sweet, green, earthy
Cooking, tea, digestive aid
Anise Hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Lamiaceae
Minty, sweet, floral
Teas, garnishes, salads
Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
Asteraceae
Mild, sweet anise
Sauces, dressings, poultry
Guide Information
Plant Type
Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees
Genus
Agastache, Artemisia, Illicium
Learn about the fascinating species behind your favorite Anise
Pimpinella anisum, or anise, is a fragrant annual herb cherished for its sweet, licorice-like seeds. From cookies and curries to herbal teas and liqueurs, it’s a culinary favorite. Easy to grow, pollinator-friendly, and packed with tradition, anise adds flavor and charm to both kitchens and gardens.
Illicium verum, known as star anise, is a striking spice with a bold licorice-like flavor. Its star-shaped pods infuse dishes with warmth and depth. Used in everything from pho and baked goods to herbal teas, this aromatic evergreen adds beauty and flavor to both the garden and the spice rack.
Agastache foeniculum, or Anise Hyssop, is an upright perennial with spikes of lavender to purple flowers from early summer to fall, attracting bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Its aromatic, anise-scented leaves are ideal for teas and jellies. Deer-resistant and long-blooming, it’s perfect for informal gardens, herb gardens, and meadows.
Artemisia dracunculus, or Tarragon, is a bold, flavorful herb known for its smooth, slender leaves and distinctive anise kick. A culinary star in French cuisine, it elevates sauces, chicken, and seafood. Hardy and easy to grow, it’s a must-have in any kitchen or herb garden with personality.
Illicium anisatum, or Japanese star anise, is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its glossy leaves and star-shaped seed pods. Ideal for shade gardens, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Though ornamental, it is highly toxic and not edible like Chinese star anise—avoid planting near edible gardens or pets.
Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, is a fragrant, feathery-leaved herb with yellow flowers and a sweet, anise-like flavor. Loved by pollinators and gardeners alike, it thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Both ornamental and edible, fennel’s bulbs, seeds, and fronds add beauty and bold taste to gardens and kitchens.
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Final Thoughts
While true anise and its botanical cousins all offer that signature licorice-like charm, each brings a unique twist. Whether you’re baking with sweet Pimpinella anisum, simmering Illicium verum in a savory broth, or sprinkling fennel seeds on roasted vegetables, there’s an “anise” for every dish and every palate.
Internal, Philippe Gregori, Alex Manders, shiro_ring, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you
provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee,
you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design
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