Side by side
Compare plates
Lay two plants next to each other — uses, risks, and whether either has a grow guide.
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Star anise
Illicium verum
The eight-pointed spice of pho and five-spice — a licorice star with a lookalike that does not belong in a pot.
Flavor
Licorice, sweet-hot, a little woody. One star perfumes a quart of broth.
Symptoms
indigestion, bloating, cold
In favor
A little goes a long way
Against
Toxic lookalike in the genus
Days to harvest
Several years to first stars; the kitchen crop is purchased
Choose a specimen