2 named cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Florida Anise Tree

$32.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Illicium floridanum, Florida anise, is a multi-stemmed broadleaf evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States and Mexico, reaching six to ten feet in moist shaded ground. Leathery olive-green leaves release a strong anise scent when crushed, and nodding star-shaped maroon-red flowers with more than twenty narrow petals open in spring.

Do not confuse this with culinary star anise. NCSU is explicit that it is poisonous if eaten and is not a substitute for the spice, which comes from the unrelated Illicium verum — the mistake has caused genuine poisonings. Grown as an ornamental it is outstanding: one of very few handsome evergreens that thrives in deep shade and wet soil.

Uses & Benefits:

Glossy aromatic evergreen foliage with nodding maroon star-shaped flowers in spring.

One of the very few evergreen shrubs that thrives in deep shade and wet soil.

A southeastern native that supports pollinators and holds soil on damp banks and pond edges.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States and Mexico

Toxicity

Poisonous if eaten; not culinary star anise

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$32.99

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in partial to deep shade; it dislikes full sun.
Give it moist, humus-rich, acid soil.
It tolerates wet ground where most shrubs fail.
Water through the first two summers to establish it.
Mulch to keep the shallow roots cool.
Prune lightly after flowering if shaping is needed.

Pro Tip

This is one of the few good evergreens for wet shade — a spot that drowns camellias and hollies will suit it perfectly.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant it in shade and moist soil 🌑
Use it in rain gardens and pond edges 💧
Mulch over the shallow roots 🍂
Crush a leaf to enjoy the anise scent 🌿

Don't

Use it as a spice — it is poisonous ❌
Plant it in full hot sun ❌
Let the soil dry out completely ❌

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 shrub for wet shadeRain garden and pond marginNative woodland understorey planting

Companion Plants

Virginia Sweetspire Oakleaf Hydrangea Christmas Fern Foamflower Wild Ginger

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Florida Anise Tree questions

What zones can Florida Anise Tree grow in?

Florida Anise Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Florida Anise Tree deer resistant?

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

When does Florida Anise Tree bloom?

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

Does Florida Anise Tree need full sun?

Florida Anise Tree does best in part shade.