Illicium parviflorum, commonly known as Yellow Anise Tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to moist, shaded understory environments and swampy areas in the southeastern United States, particularly Florida. It can reach up to 7 meters in height and often develops multiple trunks. The plant features lanceolate leaves that emit a licorice-like fragrance when crushed. Its small, pale yellow flowers, about 1 centimeter in diameter, have 11 to 14 tepals and are not particularly showy, but they do add a subtle charm in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a star-shaped aggregate of follicles, each releasing one shiny brown seed upon opening.

Yellow Anise Tree is valued for its aromatic wood, foliage, and flowers, and its dense growth habit makes it suitable for use as a hedge or windbreak. It can spread to 4.5 meters wide if not pruned. The plant is adaptable, easy to grow, and generally free from major pests. It can be trained into a tree form by removing lower branches. Yellow Anise Tree thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 and prefers part shade to full shade, with medium to high water requirements and well-drained soils. It is commercially available and relatively inexpensive, making it an accessible choice for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0