Florida Sunshine Illicium

Bring year-round color to shaded landscapes with Florida Sunshine® Illicium, a vibrant golden selection of Illicium parviflorum prized for its brilliant chartreuse foliage and exceptional durability. Sometimes called the yellow anisetree or yellow-anise, this distinctive evergreen shrub brightens woodland gardens, foundation plantings, and shaded borders where many other shrubs struggle to thrive.

Unlike traditional green forms of the anise plant, Florida Sunshine Illicium emerges with luminous golden-yellow foliage that holds its brilliant color throughout the growing season. The vibrant leaves create a striking contrast against darker evergreens while bringing warmth and brightness to partially shaded gardens. New growth is especially vivid in spring, giving the shrub a fresh, glowing appearance.

As its common name suggests, the foliage releases a pleasant licorice scent when crushed, adding another layer of sensory appeal to the landscape. In spring, small star-shaped yellow flowers appear among the foliage, offering subtle seasonal interest while allowing the colorful leaves to remain the star of the show.

With its naturally dense, upright habit and dependable evergreen structure, Florida Sunshine Illicium is an outstanding choice for privacy plantings, woodland gardens, foundation beds, mixed borders, and naturalized landscapes. Its adaptability to shade, resistance to deer, and low-maintenance nature make it one of the most versatile shrubs for Southern gardens.

Whether you're looking to brighten a shaded foundation or create year-round color in a woodland landscape, Florida Sunshine Illicium delivers bold foliage, reliable performance, and effortless beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Florida Sunshine Illicium the same as edible star anise?

No. Florida Sunshine Illicium is an ornamental landscape shrub, not the edible star anise used in cooking. Although its foliage has a pleasant licorice scent when crushed, this plant should not be eaten or used as a spice. All parts of the plant should be considered poisonous if ingested by people or pets.

Does Florida Sunshine Illicium grow in full shade?

Yes. Florida Sunshine Illicium performs well in part shade to full shade, making it a great choice for woodland gardens, shaded foundations, and low-light landscape areas. For the brightest golden foliage, plant it where it receives filtered light or morning sun with afternoon shade.

How large does Florida Sunshine Illicium get?

Florida Sunshine Illicium typically grows as a compact evergreen shrub, reaching about 5 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide in the landscape. With its dense, upright growth habit, it works well as a small anise tree, foundation shrub, hedge, or colorful shade-garden accent.

Is Florida Sunshine Illicium deer resistant?

Yes. Florida Sunshine Illicium is considered deer resistant, making it a useful evergreen shrub for gardens where browsing can be a problem. While no plant is completely deer-proof, the aromatic foliage and natural compounds in illicium make it less appealing to deer than many other landscape shrubs.

Why do Illicium leaves smell like licorice?

The leaves of Illicium parviflorum contain aromatic compounds that release a licorice-like scent when the foliage is brushed or crushed. This fragrance is one reason the plant is commonly called an anise plant, yellow anisetree, or yellow-anise. The scent is for ornamental enjoyment only; the plant is not edible and should not be used as star anise.