Scientific name: Pimpinella anisum
Family: APIACEAE , previously UMBELLIFERAE
Common names: “Aniseed” “Anise”
Plant Type: Annual
Conditions:
Zone: 7-10
Light: Full sun, will not grow in shade
Soil: Best in cultivated fertile soil
Moisture: Moist well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 2′ W 6-8″
Leaf and Stem shape: Thick stems with larger rounded leaves on the bottom and finer more feathery leaves at the top
Flower: Hermaphroditic species bearing self-fertile flowers
Maintenance: Seed is collected by harvesting the whole plant and hanging it for a week to dry
Landscape use: Herb or veggie garden, wildlife garden
Propagate: By seed
Pests & Disease: None in Victoria
Comments: Native to the Mediterranean and south western Asia, was cultivated in ancient Egypt and Greece, attracts butterflies and beneficial insects, seeds are used to flavour food and the leaves are edible also, can be made into an essential oil, traditionally used as a medicinal plant
Vancouver Island Grows 