Illicium floridanum Large Shrubs the dense upright form clips

the dense upright form clips into a fine-textured evergreen column

and the plant asks almost nothing in return: no rich soil

is a native shrub of eastern wetlands

Gardeners in the Deep South have long grown the plant for the same reason

or in a mass where the early feathery white can be enjoyed up close

Illicium floridanum Large Shrubs the dense upright form clipsIllicium floridanum, the Florida anise, is a lush evergreen shrub of the southern woods, prized for glossy, dark green leaves that release a clean anise or licorice scent when crushed. In mid spring the plant hangs itself with curious flowers, two inches across and shaped like deep maroon starfish, their many narrow petals radiating from the center. Dense, shade loving, and richly aromatic in leaf, Florida anise brings a bold, tropical looking