Alphabetical Plant Listing

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

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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

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