Aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Seed Collection Time:

Late June through July — after white umbel flowers fade in late spring.

Signs seeds are ready:

• Seeds are elongated, dark brown to black, and covered with tiny hooked bristles.

• Mature seeds detach easily from the central stem with a gentle pull.

• Seed heads appear dry and brittle.

Seed collection steps:

• Collect seed clusters when most seeds have turned dark and are beginning to loosen.

• Place in a paper bag and let dry for 1–2 weeks.

• Separate seeds from stems by hand or by gently rubbing.

Germination tip:

• Seeds exhibit morphophysiological dormancy, requiring extended cold stratification (at least 60–90 days, sometimes 120+).

• Best sown outdoors in fall for natural cycles or stored in moist sand in the fridge for multiple months.

• Germination may take up to 2 years due to deep dormancy.

• Keep soil consistently moist during germination.