Illicium floridanum (Florida Anise)
Florida Anise, Purple Anise, Florida Aniseed Tree, Poison Bay, Red-Flowered Aniseed Tree, Tree Anise, Stinking Laurel
Illicium floridanum (Florida Anise) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub of upright, loose, open habit, with smooth, elliptic, lustrous dark olive-green leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm). Aromatic, the attractive foliage exudes an anise or gin-and-tonic aroma when crushed or bruised. In spring, pretty but unpleasantly scented, dark red flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), packed with up to 20-30 strap-shaped petals, are on display for 4-6 weeks. Protected in Florida as a threatened species, Florida Anise is a fast-growing, low maintenance shrub with spectacular foliage. It is a great evergreen shrub for difficult wet and shady areas where it can be used as screening, in masses or against a sheltered wall.
- Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 4-8 ft. wide (120-240 cm).
- A part shade to full shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist soils. Tolerates erosion and wet planting sites.
- May need pruning when young after flowering.
- Generally pest and disease free.
- Propagate by seeds or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
- Both the foliage and fruit are poisonous to livestock.
- Native to Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 4
– 9 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Illicium - Anise Trees |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spread | 4' – 8' (120cm – 240cm) |
Spacing | 72" – 96" (180cm – 240cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi |
Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Simona Pavan, Shutterstock
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 4
– 9 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Illicium - Anise Trees |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spread | 4' – 8' (120cm – 240cm) |
Spacing | 72" – 96" (180cm – 240cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi |
Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |