Photo of Illicium floridanum flower by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Buy Illicium floridanum

Also Known As

  • Florida Anise
  • Purple Anise
  • Star Anise
  • Stink Bush

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

  • H: 6'-10'
  • W: 4'-8'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

1 gallon bagged root ball | $26

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30 at Gossler Farms

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Illicium floridanum plant details

Illicium floridanum is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring and summer burgundy and red flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Illicium floridanum

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: schisandraceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 8 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: burgundy and red blooms in spring and summer
Uses: fragrant foliage, leathery leaves, rain garden, small tree, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Illicium floridanum

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and humidity
Soil needs: acidic, average and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The Florida anise shrub is super tough. We have seen our plants sail through 0ºF without any damage. The foliage is deep green and flowers are star shaped maroon purple. We have our plant in all day shade and it thrives.
Named for the anise-like odor its deep-green leathery leaves emit when crushed, this 6-15' shrub of swampy areas also sports 1-2" star-shaped deep-red flowers. S-PSh/M
Dark purple flowers bloom in late spring but the main attraction may be the large leathery evergreen leaves. Crush the leaf for the extremely aromatic anise scent. 5-6' in ten years; 8-10' in maturity. Recommended by: Garden Clubs of America.

By: Fantastic Plants

Deep-red, star shaped flowers, to 2" across, are borne in late spring and early summer on a dense evergreen shrub. Medium green leaves have a licorice scent when crushed.

Gardening facts about Illicium floridanum plant

How to Grow Illicium floridanum

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
    • burgundy
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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