Illicium parviflorum - Yellow anisetree
Family Illiciaceae

Description:

Approximately forty species of Illicium grow in Asia, the southeastern U.S. and Hispaniola. Star anise is the dry fruit of Illicium verum of China. The yellow anise tree is native to wet sites in central Florida. The naturally yellow-green leaves can provide an interesting contrast to other foliage colors in the landscape. One cultivar, ‘Forest Green’ was selected for its darker green foliage. The small yellow flowers are not showy. They are beetle pollinated. Crushed leaves are aromatic. The fruits of this species are not edible. This plant is considered endangered in the wild in Florida.

Location:

These plants can be seen in the plantings around parking lot 2.

Size:

A large shrub or small tree to fifteen feet tall or more.

Care Instructions:

Light: full sun to shade, part shade is optimal

Water: moderately drought tolerant once established, may require irrigation when grown in the sun, especially during droughts

Soil: moist soil, low pH

Yellow anisetree is well suited for northeast Florida landscapes. It is best in a moist or irrigated site but will tolerate moderate drought in a garden.