Does it need full sun?

It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it grows well in containers if given enough space.

Plant guide

Anise-scented fern.

Clausena anisata

Pronounced klaw-SEE-nah ah-nih-SAH-tah

Also known as False Horsewood, Horsewood, samandua

Clausena anisata — Photo by Di Turner (CC0) via gbif

This aromatic shrub or small tree is well known for its leaves that smell like anise when crushed. It is a lovely addition to gardens in warmer climates where it can grow quite large. You will enjoy its delicate, fern like foliage and small white flowers.

Another photo of Anise-scented fern — Photo by Hildegard Klein (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 to 6 meters
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Provide well draining soil and keep it consistently moist but not soggy. Watch for yellowing leaves which may indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure it gets plenty of light to maintain its lush appearance.

Watering: Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Repotting: Repot every couple of years when the roots begin to fill the container.
Soil: Well draining loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: 5 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant contains essential oils that may cause irritation if ingested in significant amounts.
Pets: This plant is generally considered safe, but it is best to keep pets from chewing on the leaves.
Children: Keep children away from the berries, as they are not meant for consumption and could pose a choking or ingestion risk.
Contact allergens: Handling the foliage may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to the volatile oils.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may trigger mild respiratory symptoms in those with specific plant allergies.
Edibility: The leaves are used in traditional cooking, but they contain compounds that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.

How to identify it

Pinnately compound leaves
Strong anise scent when crushed
Small white flowers in clusters
Small oval fruits turning black
Smooth gray bark

Height: 2 to 6m
Spread: 1.5 to 4m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: white, cream, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: black, Late summer to autumn

Problems to watch for

Root RotCommon
Scale InsectsCommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
Sooty MoldUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Move containers indoors or to a greenhouse if frost is expected. Keep the plant in a bright location and reduce watering during the cooler months.
In containers: It adapts well to large containers, provided the pot is at least 40 centimeters in diameter.

Seed

1. Harvest ripe black berries.
2. Clean the seeds of pulp.
3. Sow in moist, well-draining soil.
4. Keep warm until germination.

Cuttings

1. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
2. Dip the base in rooting hormone.
3. Place in a sterile potting mix.
4. Cover to maintain humidity.

Plant in a sheltered spot to protect the foliage from strong winds that might dissipate its aromatic oils.

Grows well with

Coffee · They share similar light and moisture requirements in tropical settings.
Hibiscus · These plants provide a nice contrast in foliage and flower color.

Similar species

Curry Leaf Tree · Both are aromatic members of the Rutaceae family used in cooking.

Science

Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Clausena
Order: Sapindales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical and Southern Africa
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered, but wild harvesting should be done sustainably.

It thrives in forest margins and wooded grasslands where it can access moderate moisture.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, larval host plant
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental shrub, traditional medicine, culinary flavoring, natural insect repellent

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Moisture: 5/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 8/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
Can I grow it in a pot?: Yes, it grows well in containers if given enough space.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Clausena honors the Danish botanist P. Clausen, while the specific epithet anisata refers to the anise-like scent of the leaves.

Good to know

The leaves are used as a traditional mosquito repellent in some regions.
It belongs to the Rutaceae family, which includes citrus trees.
The scent is often compared to a mix of anise and citrus.
It is a fast-growing shrub in tropical climates.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.