Illicium anisatum
Japanese Anise Tree, Star Anise
Pronunciation
ill-LISS-i-um an-ni-SATE-um
Pronunciation Audio
Family
Genus
Nativity
China, Japan
Growth Habit
Upright oval to pyramidal.
Hardiness
7
Culture
Partial shade, in moist soils. Does not perform well in sun or dry sites.
Landscape Use
More formal than I. floridanum, therefore, can be used in a more formal setting. Can still be used for naturalizing.
Foliage
Alternate, oblong-elliptic, entire, 2 - 4 inch long and .75-1 inch wide. Leaves borne perpendicular to slightly drooping on the stems.
Buds
Buds are thick, and ovate.
Bark
Grayish brown, reddish when young.
Flower
Many-flowered from the axils of leaves, 1" in diameter. Flowers are creamy in color with about 30 strap-like petals. Not fragrant.
Fruit
Follicle.
Propagation
Seed, Cuttings.
Pests
None serious.
Cultivars
'Deep Purple' - Purple young foliage.
'Pink Stars' - Flowers emerge pink, new foliage is red.
