Side by side
Compare plates
Lay two plants next to each other — uses, risks, and whether either has a grow guide.
LegalCaution
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
LegalGentle
Anise
Pimpinella anisum
The licorice seed of Mediterranean baking — a carminative kitchen spice, not the toxic Japanese lookalike of star anise.
Flavor
Sweet licorice, warmer than fennel seed, less medicinal than star anise.
Symptoms
indigestion, bloating, nausea, cramps
In favor
A true baking spice
Against
Needs heat to ripen
Days to harvest
100–120 days from sow to ripe seed