Anise (Pimpinella anisum) 

Flowers: June to July. Height: 60cm (24in).

Anise was so popular in medieval England as a spice, medicine and perfume that in 1305, Edward I placed a special tax on it.The revenue earned through its import helped repair damages to the London Bridge. 

Medicinal: Used as a gargle with honey and vinegar for tonsillitis. An aid to digestion, bloating, flatulence, indigestion and constipation and to induce sweating and to treat rickets.

Culinary: Flavouring salads, puddings, soups and stews. From Roman times, Anise was one of the ingredients in ustaceus, a special cake made with digestive herbs that was served as a finishing dish for feasts in order to sweeten the breath and aid digestion. (Possibly the origin of the modern-day wedding cake.)