Illicium anisatum

A broadleaf evergreen shrub in the Schisandraceae family native to Japan. Does not spread by root sucker to form colonies.  Tolerates wet sites, heavy shade, and erosion.  It is not very cold hardy.  It thrives in conditions similar to rhododendrons.  Would be great planted as informal hedge, in a rain garden or allowed to naturalize.  The fruit is not edible and is toxic in large quantites.  The leaves are burned and used as incense in Japan.  Their leaves are prized by florists beause they remain fresh for a long time after pruning.

Wildilfe Value: Attractive to birds.  This plant is particularly resistant to damage by deer.