Illicium anisatum aka Sacred Anisetree

Illicium anisatum, or Japanese anise, is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It belongs to the Schisandraceae family. Its native range runs from South Korea through Japan to Taiwan. It grows in woods and thickets in Japan's foothills. Its dense crown can be upright, rounded, or oval. Garden plants reach about 6–15 feet (1.8–4.6 metres) tall. Reported widths range from 4–15 feet (1.2–4.6 metres). RHS gives smaller garden sizes than the North American sources. In very mild areas, height may reach 20 feet (6 metres).

The plant often grows with several trunks or clumped stems. Gardeners can train it to form one short trunk. Young shoots are green, and RHS notes brown spots. The simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. They are dark green, glossy, and leathery, with wavy edges. Sources give leaf lengths of about two to four inches. Crushed leaves give off an anise or root beer scent. The foliage stays green rather than changing colour in autumn.

Flowers grow in clusters where leaves join the stems. Their many narrow petals make a star-like shape. Colours range from creamy white to pale greenish yellow. Most accounts place flowering in spring; some also record summer bloom. The sources disagree on whether the flowers have a scent. Dry, star-shaped follicles follow the flowers and release dark brown seeds. These fruits offer little visual interest, though NCSU records them in autumn.

Grow it in rich, moist soil with good drainage. Acid soil suits it best, though sources report wider soil tolerance. It grows in sun or part shade and tolerates deep shade. It also tolerates wet sites and some drought once growing. Salt spray tolerance is poor. RHS rates it H4; Florida lists USDA zones 8–10. NCSU gives the broader range of 7–11. Cuttings, layering, and seed provide ways to raise new plants.

Use it for hedges, screens, borders, or a small patio tree. Its leaves last well in flower arrangements. People also burn the leaves as incense in Japan. It attracts birds and resists deer damage. Serious pest and disease problems are uncommon, but mites and scale can occur. Prune to shape it or remove damaged branches. The plant is poisonous to people, dogs, and cats. Do not treat its fruit as edible star anise. PFAF reports food and medicinal uses, but also warns of poisonous fruit and essential oil.