Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

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Illicium parviflorum

Also Known As

Small-flowered Anise Tree
Star Anise
Yellow Anise

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 6'-12'
W: 6'-12'

planting zones

6a-10b

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Illicium parviflorum plant details

Illicium parviflorum is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Does well in acidic and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Illicium parviflorum

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: schisandraceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 FT - 12 FT - wide, 6 FT - 12 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: fragrant, licorice-scented, root-beer-scented

GROWING CONDITIONS for Illicium parviflorum

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: acidic and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This uncommon species from sandy swamp edges in Florida produces creamy yellow flowers (instead of the maroon flowers of I. floridanum); similiar glossy, aromatic leaves are attractive all year. S-PSh/M-W

By: Forestfarm

YELLOW ANISE TREE : Evergreen in south, can grow to 10-15' pyramidal with shiny olive green anise scented leaves. Insignificant yellow flowers in summer followed by star shaped seed pods. Likes sun or shade. Leaves have a pleasing fragrance of root beet when crushed. Hardy zone 7-9

By: Accents for Home and Garden

This little known evergreen has excellent light green leaf color and a hardy constitution making it a very functional large landscape shrub. Grows 4-5' in ten years, eventually to a large pyramid to 15' or more left unchecked, but is normally pruned hard to keep it in check. Recommended by: Garden Clubs of America.

By: Fantastic Plants

A small, attractive evergreen tree that can be kept small if desired, even hedge height. Or it can be limbed up to a small tree to a tree form. The foliage and stems have a delightful odor that reminds some people of root beer - with hints of licorice. Neat and clean so it's nice near a patio. Attracts birds. This tree is often listed as hardy only to zone 8 but various reputable sources say 6A and we agree.