Florida Anise Tree (Illicium Floridanum)

Florida Anise Tree

Features and Characteristics

Illicium floridanum, commonly called purple anise, is an upright, rounded, aromatic, evergreen shrub that grows to 6-10′ tall. It is native to wet soils in low hammocks, wooded ravines, marshy areas and stream peripheries from northern Florida and Georgia along the coastal plain to Louisiana. Smooth, glossy, elliptic, dark olive-green leaves (to 6″ long) emit an anise-like aroma when crushed. Nodding, dark red flowers (to 2″ diameter), each with 20-30 strap-shaped petals, bloom in spring (April-May). Flower aroma is malodorous. Fruit is a star-shaped cluster of follicles. Purple anise is protected in Florida as a threatened species.

Genus name comes from the Latin name illicium meaning allurement or inducement from the enticing aromatic scent.

Specific epithet means of Florida.

Care and Maintenance

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-10 where it is easily grown in moist soils in part shade to full shade. Tolerates full sun as long as soils are kept uniformly moist. Spreads by root suckers.

Florida Anise Tree (Illicium Floridanum) Requirements

Hardiness zone	7 - 10
Sun light	Part Shade To Full Shade
Water	Medium To Wet
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Evergreen shrub for moist shady locations.

Florida Anise Tree (Illicium Floridanum) Details

Common name	Florida Anise Tree
Botanical name	Illicium Floridanum
Plant type	Broadleaf Evergreen
Family	Schisandraceae
Hardiness zone	7 - 10
Water	Medium To Wet
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Dark Red
Flowering period	April - May
Height	6 - 10 Ft.
Width	4 - 8 Ft.