Anise shrub: The right amount of shade matters

Illicium, also known as anise shrub, is a genus of flowering shrubs, with 38 known species. Of those, two are most commonly found in our NC landscapes, Illicium floridanum and Illicium parviflorum. These are both medium-to-large evergreen shrubs, mostly valued for their ability to create a screen or hedge, and both have an interesting flower display.

Illicium floridanum, as you might have guessed, is native to Florida, as well as several other southeastern states, Mexico, and Central America. It typically grows 6-10 feet tall and grows best in moist, acidic soils in full to partial shade. When crushed, the leaves emit a smell similar to licorice or the spice anise, hence the common name. This odor is pleasant, and a helpful identification feature that distinguishes this plant from others with similar shaped leaves. The flowers are maroon and have a small central disk with radiating slender petals, creating the visual of a multi-pointed star when they open in summer. The blooms are also fragrant, although the fragrance is not necessarily pleasant. It’s often described as ‘fishy’ or ‘oily,’ but it is not usually noticeable unless you’re actively trying to smell the flowers.

There are a few interesting cultivars of Illicium floridanum that have features that are slightly different than the species. ‘Shady Lady’, for example, has variegated foliage with dark green blades and creamy white margins. ‘Halley’s Comet’ has ruby red flowers that are slightly larger than normal for the species. ‘Aztec Fire’ has reddish-burgundy flowers that last from late spring through fall. Finally, ‘Swamp Hobbit’ is a dwarf variety, slowly growing to a mature size of 2 feet high by 5 feet wide. It also has, let’s face it, a pretty great name.

Top left: A flower on a stem of  Illicium floridanum, Anise shrub. Photo: S. Zona, CC BY-NC 2.0  Bottom left: Immature fruit. Photo: D. Hill, CC BY 2.0  Right: The clumping, full form of illicium parviflorum. Photo: J. Robbins, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Illicium parviflorum is similar in many ways, particularly in terms of its preferences for soil and sun exposure, and its region of native origin. Key differences are that I. parviflorum typically grows to a larger size, at 10-15 feet high by about 10 feet wide. Bloom time is slightly earlier than I. floridanum, and the flowers have a pleasant, though somewhat faint, scent that is generally preferable to the less pleasing scent of I. floridanum types.

The most notable of the I. parviflorum cultivars is ‘Florida Sunshine,’ a dwarf variety introduced by North Carolina’s own Plant Delights Nursery. At a height of 6-12 feet, this dwarf variety is slightly smaller than the typical species, though most Florida Sunshine cultivars that I’ve seen have been on the low end of that range. Flowers are yellow, and the foliage is a yellow-green, almost chartreuse color, which stands out and impacts the landscape twelve months out of the year.

'Florida Sunshine' is a dwarf variety introduced by North Carolina's Plant Delights Nursery. The bright yellow-green foliage provides vibrant color all year.

Regardless of which Illicium makes the most sense for your landscape, note that the most important consideration when placing and planting them is to ensure they receive adequate shade. These plants are valued primarily for their foliage, whether it’s the ornamental appeal of the variegated ‘Shady Lady’ or the chartreuse ‘Florida Sunshine,’ or the dense lime-green coverage of any other type. When grown in too much sun, the leaves will burn along the margin, diminishing the aesthetic value substantially. As always, choose the right plant for the right place.
Matthew Stevens is the County Extension Director and Horticulture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Pitt County Center. If you have questions about this article or gardening in general, please contact the Pitt County Extension Master Gardeners at [email protected] or 252-902-1705.