2 named cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Yellow Anise Tree

Illicium parviflorum

$36.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Illicium parviflorum, yellow anise tree, is a dense upright broadleaf evergreen shrub reaching ten to fifteen feet, native to a very small area of central Florida. Olive-green leathery leaves smell strongly of anise when crushed, and small cup-shaped yellow-green flowers under an inch across open in summer, largely hidden within the foliage.

It is grown for foliage rather than flower, and it is one of the most useful evergreens available for deep shade and wet ground — NCSU rates it resistant to heavy shade, wet soil, deer, insects and disease at once. Do not confuse it with culinary star anise: it is poisonous if eaten, and the mistake has caused real poisonings.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense aromatic evergreen foliage that holds colour and form through winter in deep shade.

Screens reliably in shade and wet soil, and is untroubled by deer, insects or disease.

A rare Florida native in the wild, and useful for stabilising damp shaded banks.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

150 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central Florida

Toxicity

Poisonous if eaten; not culinary star anise

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$36.99

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in dappled to deep shade in moist soil.
It tolerates wet ground where most evergreens fail.
Allow eight to ten feet of width at maturity.
Water through the first two summers to establish it.
Mulch to keep the shallow roots cool and moist.
Prune lightly in spring if a formal shape is wanted.

Pro Tip

It screens in deep shade where hollies and camellias thin out, so use it for the difficult dark corner rather than a sunny boundary.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use it for deep shade and wet ground 🌑
Allow it ten feet of width 📏
Mulch over the shallow roots 🍂
Crush a leaf for the anise scent 🌿

Don't

Use it as a spice — it is poisonous ❌
Plant it in hot full sun ❌
Let it dry out while establishing ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Evergreen screen in deep shadeRain garden and wet woodland plantingNative understorey and naturalised areas

Companion Plants

Virginia Sweetspire Oakleaf Hydrangea Christmas Fern Wild Ginger Foamflower

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yellow Anise Tree questions

What zones can Yellow Anise Tree grow in?

Yellow Anise Tree 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 Anise Tree deer resistant?

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

When does Yellow Anise Tree bloom?

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

Does Yellow Anise Tree need full sun?

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

Is Yellow Anise Tree drought tolerant?

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