ANISE
Pimpinella anisum
Umbelliferae
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Use these
licorice-scented leaves and seeds in salads, especially when combined with
apples. The crushed, aromatic seeds enhance the fragrance of homemade potpurris.
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Best Climate:
Thrives in poor, well-drained soil in full sun and tolerates drought.
Ideal Soil Conditions:
Poor, light, well-drained soil.
Growing Guidelines:
Sow seed outdoors
in spring where you want the plants to grow, then thin them to 1 foot (30 cm)
apart. Or sow several seeds in pots several months before the last frost in a
warm (70F [21C])
room. Transplants poorly. Stake or grow in clumps to prevent sprawling.
Growing Habit:
Annual/biennial; height up to 2 feet (60 cm); its lacy foliage resembles Queen Anne's lace.
Flowering Time:
Summer; dainty white, starlike blossoms in umbels.
Pest and Disease Prevention:
Anise oil is said
to have insect-repellent properties; the strong smell of the plant may repel
aphids and fleas.
Harvesting and Storing:
Seeds are ready to
harvest when they fall easily from the head. Clip off the seed heads into
a bag before the seedpods shatter, but leave a few on the plant so it will self-sow
for next year.
Dry seeds on sheets of paper for several sunny days outdoors, then pasteurize
in oven at
100F (38C) for 15 minutes and store in airtight containers. Snip foliage as needed.
The seeds can
be used to flavor candy, pastry, cheese and biscotti. An infusion of vermouth
and anise flowers
is used to flavor muscatel wine.
Special Tips:
Some companion gardeners
say that a planting of anise will encourage coriander to germinate
better and grow more vigorously. The strong smell of anise may repel aphids and
fleas. An
attractive pairing is made by a planting of creeping thyme at the feet of the
anise plant. Some
companion gardeners say that it may be detrimental to carrots.
Other Common Names:
Anneys, Aniseseed, Yanisin, Sweet Cumin
Gender:
Masculine
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Magical Uses:
Fill a small pillowcase
with anise seeds and sleep on it. This will ensure that you have no
nightmares. Use in protection and meditation incenses. Fresh anise leaves placed
in a room
will drive off evil, and they are sometimes placed around the magic circle to
protect the magician
from evil spirits. It also averts the evil eye.
Anise seed is also
used in purification baths, especially with bay leaves. It is used to call forth
spirits
to aid in magical operations, and a sprig hung on the bedpost will restore lost
youth.
Element:
Air
Planet:
Jupiter
Powers:
Protection, Purification,
Youth
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