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Illicium anisatum (Japanese Anise)

Japanese Star Anise, Japanese Anise, Anise Shrub

Illicium anisatum, Japanese Star Anise, Japanese Anise, Anise Shrub

Illicium anisatum (Japanese Anise) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or small tree of conical habit, with stunning, narrowly oval, lustrous dark green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). Borne perpendicular to the stems, they are aromatic and used as incense in Japan. In spring, non-scented, creamy-white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), packed with up to 20-30 petals, are borne in clusters in the leaf axils. They contrast nicely against the foliage. Delicately beautiful, Japanese Anise is useful in difficult wet and shady areas such as screening, in masses, or against a sheltered wall.

  • Grows up to 6-15 ft. tall (180-450 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in acidic, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Water moderately and apply a balanced fertilizer on a monthly basis during the growing season.
  • No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots.
  • Generally pest and disease free.
  • Seeds, foliage, and wood are toxic if ingested.
  • Native to Japan, Korea.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Schisandraceae
Genus Illicium
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 15'
(180cm - 4.6m)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spacing 60" - 72"
(150cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Illicium parviflorum ‘Florida Sunshine’ (Small Anise)
Illicium floridanum (Florida Anise)
Illicium floridanum ‘Pink Frost’ (Florida Anise)
Illicium parviflorum BananAppeal® (Small Anise)
Illicium floridanum Miss Scarlett® (Florida Anise)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

40 Beautiful Native Shrubs for Shade
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Schisandraceae
Genus Illicium
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 15'
(180cm - 4.6m)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spacing 60" - 72"
(150cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Illicium (Anise)
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