Sign In 
Get Premium Florida Anisetree
(Illicium floridanum)
Florida Anisetree (Illicium floridanum)
/
/
Daderot
Public domain
Image By:
Daderot
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Daderot | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Daderot | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Illicium_floridanum_-_Isola_Madre_(Stresa)_-_DSC03250.JPG |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Illicium floridanum, commonly known as Florida Anisetree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to moist, shaded understories of hardwood forests, swamps, and wetlands in the Southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) with a similar spread. The plant features leathery, lance-shaped leaves and produces unusual, star-shaped flowers with 20 to 30 maroon-colored petals, each about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and are somewhat hidden within the foliage, emitting a distinctive fish-like odor. The fruit is a star-shaped capsule that splits open to release seeds explosively.
Florida Anisetree is valued for its lush, evergreen foliage and unique flowers, which can be a conversation starter despite their odor. It is used in shaded landscape plantings, naturalized areas, and as a specimen plant in residential gardens. It requires consistently moist, well-drained, acidic soil and benefits from mulching. While it prefers part to full shade, it can tolerate sunnier spots if adequately watered. This plant is relatively low-maintenance but can suffer from leaf spot diseases and may be sensitive to root disturbance. There are cultivated varieties with white flowers, resulting from selective breeding.CC BY-SA 4.0
Florida Anisetree is valued for its lush, evergreen foliage and unique flowers, which can be a conversation starter despite their odor. It is used in shaded landscape plantings, naturalized areas, and as a specimen plant in residential gardens. It requires consistently moist, well-drained, acidic soil and benefits from mulching. While it prefers part to full shade, it can tolerate sunnier spots if adequately watered. This plant is relatively low-maintenance but can suffer from leaf spot diseases and may be sensitive to root disturbance. There are cultivated varieties with white flowers, resulting from selective breeding.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 6-8 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Purple, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hedges, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist, shaded understories of hardwood forests, swamps, and wetlands in the Southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Purple-Anise, Florida Anise-Tree, Stink-Bush, Star-Anise
Scientific Names: , Illicium floridanum, Illicium mexicanum, Badianifera floridana, Illicium reticulatum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Illicium floridanum Ellis