Illicium floridanum aka Florida Anisetree

Illicium floridanum is an evergreen shrub called Florida anise or purple anise. It belongs to the Schisandraceae family. Its native range spans the southeastern United States and parts of Mexico. In the United States, it grows from Florida and Georgia west to Louisiana. Wild plants grow near streams, in wet woods, and around marshes. These damp sites help explain its need for moist garden soil.

Garden plants often reach 6–10 feet (1.8–3.05 metres) tall. Their usual spread is 6–8 feet (1.8–2.44 metres). Some accounts give heights of 15 feet (4.57 metres) and spreads of 10 feet (3.05 metres). Several stems form an upright shrub with a rounded crown. Branches may droop toward the ground, giving shade-grown plants an open shape. Root suckers let the clump spread beyond its first stems. The smooth bark is gray-brown, and stout stems bear small lenticels.

The thick, leathery leaves stay green through winter without a fall color change. They have dark green tops and paler undersides. Leaves grow in turn along stems but seem clustered near branch tips. Their stalks have a red-purple tint. Crushing the leaves releases a strong scent like anise. Dark red to purple flowers open in April and May. Each nodding flower has 20–30 narrow petals and an unpleasant smell. Flowers reach about 0.17 feet (0.05 metres) across and draw pollinators. Star-shaped fruit clusters follow from late summer into fall. Each follicle opens to release a shiny brown seed.

This shrub grows best in part shade or full shade. Strong sun can scorch its leaves unless the soil stays moist. Give it rich, acidic soil that drains well but holds moisture. It also tolerates wet ground and heavy shade. Sources differ on drought tolerance, so moist soil remains the sound cultivation choice. Most guidance places it in USDA zones 7–10. Oregon State reports hardiness to zone 6. Its leaves and spring flowers suit shady borders and rain gardens. It can also form hedges, screens, or small trained trees.

Few serious pests or diseases trouble this species. Deer tend to avoid it, but it tolerates soil salt poorly. Cut away root suckers when spread needs control. The fruit is poisonous to people and livestock if eaten. Despite the leaf scent, this plant is not a safe substitute for star anise spice.