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Illicium floridanum 'Aztec Fire'

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Illicium mexicanum 'Aztec Fire'
Phonetic Spelling
il-LISS-ee-um flor-ih-DAY-num
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Mexcian Anise-tree 'Aztec Fire' is a pyramidal evergreen shrub with handsome dark glossy green foliage. This landscape gem is a first cousin to the more commonly known Florida anise. Unique to this cultivar, it produces burgundy-colored flowers.

'Aztec Fire' will grow in full sun but really thrives in partial shade. It needs wet or constantly moist soil to thrive.  Give this Mexican native plenty of room to grow. Typically, this shrub will reach a height of 8 feet and a width of 6 feet.  Best of all, it has a natural pyramidal growth habit.

An evergreen beauty, 'Aztec Fire' is best used in a large shrub border. Plants also will fit nicely into a naturalized landscape planting. One interesting note: anise shrubs grown in full sun will possess lighter green foliage than those grown in partial shade. Consider this showstopper for your home landscape. Some people find the odor of the flowers objectionable.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

No significant problems. 

More information on Illicium.

More information on Illicium floridanum.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#fragrant flowers#fragrant leaves#low maintenance#winter interest#glossy leaves#showstopper#evergreen shrub#wet soils tolerant#malodorous#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#fragrant flowers#fragrant leaves#low maintenance#winter interest#glossy leaves#showstopper#evergreen shrub#wet soils tolerant#malodorous#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Illicium
    Species:
    floridanum
    Family:
    Schisandraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Play Value:
    Fragrance
    Edibility:
    All species and cultivars of Illicium, except for I. verum (Chinese Star Anise), have varying levels of toxicity.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Pyramidal
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Frequent Standing Water
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    2" across fragrant, showy dark burgundy colored flowers bloom from spring through fall.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Leathery
    Rubbery
    Smooth
    Waxy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long-lasting
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Rain Garden
    Shade Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Wet Soil
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    All species and cultivars of Illicium, except for I. verum (Chinese Star Anise), have varying levels of toxicity.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Sesquiterpene lactones
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Leaves
    Seeds