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Florida Anise Wikimedia Commons
Schisandraceae

Florida Anise

Illicium floridanum

Mystery and allure.

Family
Schisandraceae
Genus
Illicium
Native to
Southeastern United States
Bloom season
Spring
Type
evergreen shrub
Height
6-15 ft
Sunlight
part shade to full shade
Soil
moist, acidic, organic-rich
Water
moderate to high
Hardiness
7-10
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The flowers have a unique fishy or musky scent that is pollinated by flies rather than bees or butterflies.
  • All parts of the plant are aromatic when crushed, with a distinctive licorice-like scent similar to true star anise.
  • Florida anise is an ancient lineage; the family Schisandraceae dates back to the early Cretaceous, over 100 million years ago.
  • Unlike true star anise (Illicium verum) used in cooking, Florida anise is toxic and should never be consumed.
  • The star-shaped flowers with their many narrow, strap-like petals look unlike almost any other native North American shrub.

Color meanings

0

hidden treasures

1

exotic beauty

Uses

  • shade gardens
  • evergreen screening
  • native plant landscapes
  • specimen plant