NATIVE PLANT of the month: Florida Anise, Illicium floridanum

Florida Anise, Illicium floridanum, is a perennial evergreen shrub that grows to around 8 ft tall and 4 ft wide. This plant loves shade and can tolerate deep shade. It requires moist but well-drained soil and is not tolerant of dry conditions. This plant may need irrigation in extreme dry conditions. It is a good plant for a rain garden and has been found to be good for preventing erosion. The glossy foliage smells similar to anise when crushed. This plant is poisonous and none of its parts should be consumed by humans. In the spring, deep red flowers form. It is pollinated by many insects, especially native flies and beetles. The fruit ripens in the fall. 

Pruning this plant as it grows will encourage a compact shape. This plant can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. Seeds germinate easily with no pre-treatment needed. Make cuttings by taking about a 6” long stem, which is cut right below a node. Remove the leaves from the bottom nodes. Treat with hormone and place in a pot with soil. Cover with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture. The cutting will take several weeks to grow roots. Several cloned cultivars of this plant are sold in the nursery trade, so make certain you are purchasing the straight species. 

Photo credit: Alan Cressler