Anise Tree Illicium floridanum

An attractive medium to large evergreen shrub in the Schisandraceae family, native to Florida. It is upright and compact. Both the foliage and fruit are poisonous to livestock. Spreads by root suckers. Tolerates heavy shade, erosion and wet planting sites.  It is not cold hardy and is intolerant to full sun (causes leaves to yellow).  It prefers moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter, and would be ideal in a rain garden or allowed to naturalize.  This is a great evergreen shrub for moist, shady locations. 

A rapid growing, low maintenance shrub with spectacular foliage is a combination that’s hard to beat.  The plant has a multi-stemmed, upright, compact habit. The foliage is quite attractive and aromatic, smelling similar to anise spice or gin-and-tonic when crushed or bruised. Leaves contain high levels of aromatic compounds that repel or are toxic to insects, making this plant pest resistant. Leaves may discolor in full sun or upon exposure to winter winds, making this plant a good broadleaf evergreen for shady locations. The shiny, leathery leaves are olive green in color and the 1½-inch flowers are dark red, with many petals appearing in the early spring. Flowers are pretty but malodorous.

Illicium species usually reach a height between 10 to 15 feet, but this plant reaches a little over 3 feet. Illicium species should be spaced in the landscape at least five feet apart. Florida anise’s natural habitats are the wet, swampy areas or wooded streams with acidic rich soil from Florida to Louisiana, but it will thrive here in the Carolinas. Illicium grows in partial shade to full shade, but reportedly can be acclimated to full sun if well-watered. It prefers moist soil and definitely should be mulched and watered during prolonged dry spells, as it has a tendency to wilt. The recommended USDA zones range from 7 to 10.

The anise that is used as a spice is derived from a different species, Illicium verum, an evergreen tree native to southern China and Vietnam.  Illicium dis derived from the Latin "illici" which means "allure, entice" likely because of the pleasing fragrance of many of the species. The species epithet floridanum comes from the Latin "florid" meaning "flowery" and also that it is native to Florida (USA).

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. The leaves may discolor in sun or if exposed to harsh winds.

Compare this Plant to: I. parviflorum a popular landscaping shrub, especially for use as hedges, and it is more tolerant of sun and dry soil, or the rare, yellow-flowered species, Illicium simonsii.

Quick ID Hints:

• Thick, elliptic leaves are in pseudo-whorls at branch tips.
• Bruised leaves smell like gin-and-tonic.
• Plant has purplish, foetid flowers with many ligulate petals.
• Leaf has reddish-purple petiole.