Species

Illicium parviflorumYellow Anise Tree

2 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Yellow Anisetree

Illicium parviflorum 'Forest Green'

The Story

Plant Bio

Illicium parviflorum, native to wet hammocks and stream banks of Florida, is an upright evergreen shrub prized for its glossy leaves that release a licorice scent when bruised. In late spring, small, pendulous yellow-green flowers bloom singly or in small clusters near the shoot tips.

'Forest Green' forms a compact, densely branched evergreen shrub with rich, dark olive foliage that retains its color throughout the year. It shows exceptional sun tolerance for an anise tree, growing reliably in full sun as well as deep shade.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural screening with dark, lustrous foliage and scented leaves.

Naturally unpalatable to deer and rabbits due to toxic leaf compounds.

Offers evergreen thermal cover and nesting sites for songbirds and small wildlife.

SpeciesIllicium parviflorumYellow Anise Tree

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate to Wet

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States (Florida)

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site offering full sun to deep shade with moisture-retentive, acidic to neutral soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container and set the root crown flush with the surrounding grade.
Backfill with soil enriched with organic compost, firming gently to eliminate air pockets.
Water thoroughly and apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the main trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after spring flowering finishes to maintain a neat shape; avoid cutting back into bare woody stems where old buds fail to break.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil consistently moist until roots establish, especially in full sun locations.
Apply an organic mulch layer annually to retain moisture and cool the root zone.
Prune right after flowering if maintaining a formal hedge or controlling size.

Don't

Do not allow soil to dry out completely during extended summer heatwaves.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless woody stems.
Do not plant in alkaline soils where leaf chlorosis can develop.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Evergreen Privacy ScreenFormal or Informal HedgeShade Garden BackboneWetland Border Planting

Companion Plants

Ilex glabra Hydrangea quercifolia Rhododendron Carex

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yellow Anisetree questions

What zones can Yellow Anisetree grow in?

Yellow Anisetree is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Yellow Anisetree deer resistant?

Yes — Yellow Anisetree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Yellow Anisetree bloom?

Yellow Anisetree typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Yellow Anisetree need full sun?

Yellow Anisetree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Yellow Anisetree drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Yellow Anisetree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.