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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
| Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees |
|---|---|
| Genus | Agastache, Artemisia, Illicium |
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.
| Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees |
|---|---|
| Genus | Agastache, Artemisia, Illicium |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
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 ideas.
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