Clayton's Sweetroot (Osmorhiza claytonii) vs. Aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis)

These two species are visually similar, frequently occur together in the same habitat, and bloom at the same time. They can be told apart by examination of their flower clusters and seeds, and they have subtle differences in their leaves as well. O. claytonii ranges farther north, favors higher elevations, tolerates slightly drier sites and rockier soil, and is slightly more restricted to sites with good drainage, whereas O. longistylis ranges farther south and west, favors lower elevations, and is slightly more likely on moister sites.

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