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Native Plant Database

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Illicium floridanum (Florida anisetree)
Bloodworth, Stefan

Illicium floridanum Ellis

Florida anisetree, Florida anise, Anise tree, Stinkbush

Illiciaceae (Star-Anise Family)

USDA Symbol: ILFL

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Florida anisetree is much-branched, upright broadleaf evergreen shrub, 6-10 ft. high, with a compact outline. Large, lance-shaped, evergreen leaves are lustrous, dark-green above, pale beneath and very aromatic when bruised. Maroon-purple flowers occur singly and are composed of 20-30 strap-like petals. Dehiscent seed follicles, arranged in whorls, have a star-like appearance.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Fruit:
Size Class: 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Purple
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AL , FL , GA , LA , MS
Native Distribution: FL to e. LA
Native Habitat: Moist, wooded ravines; seepage areas; swamp margins
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: This plant requires pruning in early years to keep in shape. No serious disease or insect pests. The entire shrub has a strong, pungent odor. It sometimes self-sows.

Propagation

Description: Seeds germinate easily. Firm-wooded cuttings root well.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Georgia Native Plant Society - Atlanta, GA

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

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From the Archive

Wildflower Newsletter 1998 VOL. 15, NO.5 - Native Shrubs Providing Landscape Heritage and Habitat, Executive Director\'s Re...

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Illicium floridanum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Illicium floridanum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Illicium floridanum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-18
Research By: TWC Staff

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