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Shrubs

Illicium

Illicium plants, also known as anise or star anise, are aromatic, evergreen shrubs celebrated for their unique star-shaped flowers and fragrant foliage. With glossy leaves and captivating blooms, these plants create a sensory experience while thriving in shaded or woodland settings.

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Florida Sunshine Illicium

What Are Illicium?

Illicium Parviflorum, commonly known as Florida Anise, is native to the southeastern United States. It thrives from North Carolina to Florida and extends west to Louisiana. This evergreen shrub is celebrated for its glossy, aromatic leaves and distinctive star-shaped flowers.

In addition to its traditional uses, Illicium Parviflorum has gained prominence in the horticultural world due to its appealing appearance and adaptability. Its dense foliage and fragrant blooms make it a favorite for landscaping projects, adding beauty and structure to gardens and outdoor spaces.

Caring for Illicium

Illicium parviflorum thrives in USDA zones 6–9 and prefers partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded areas. It grows well in moist, well-drained soils but can adapt to various soil types, including clay or sandy soil, as long as they are not overly dry. This low-maintenance shrub appreciates consistent watering, especially during establishment, and is drought-tolerant once mature.

  • Florida Sunshine Illicium parviflorum planted in the landscape with bright yellow and green leaves

    Does Illicium like sun or shade?

    Illicium plants prefer shade to partial shade, making them ideal for woodland gardens or other shaded areas. While they can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates, they thrive in environments with dappled or filtered sunlight to maintain their vibrant foliage and health.

    Do deer eat anise shrubs?

    Deer typically avoid anise shrubs, including Illicium species, due to their fragrant, leathery foliage and slightly toxic properties. This makes them a great choice for deer-resistant landscaping, especially in areas where browsing is a concern. However, no plant is completely deer-proof, as hungry deer may sample even unpalatable plants.

  • Miss Scarlet Illicium floridanum planted in the landscape featuring bright red flowers covering a green shrub

    When to prune Illicium?

    Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and health of your Illicium parviflorum. It is best to prune immediately after flowering, as this shrub blooms on old wood. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Regular pruning promotes new growth and maintains a compact, well-shaped shrub.

    What is the common name for Illicium parviflorum?

    Some common names for Illicium parviflorum are Yellow Anise, Small Anise Tree, Hardy Anise Shrub and Ocala Anise.

    Some common names for Illicium floridanum are Anise Tree, Flordia Anise Tree and Mexican Anise Tree.

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