Mexican Anise-tree Illicium floridanum 'Aztec Fire'
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Mexican Anise-tree:
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
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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.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Pyramidal
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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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
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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.
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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
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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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
