Illicium is a flowering plant genus with 38 species in the Schisandraceae (Star Anise) family. These are native to parts of Asia, the Southeastern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. Most are understory evergreen to semi-evergreen shrubs to small trees. The crushed leaves, stems, and seeds have an anise spice fragrance. The genus name derives from the Latin term " illici " meaning “seductive,” in reference to its scent. Most prefer part shade to shade, but some varieties will tolerate more sun if given enough moisture. They tolerate loam or sandy soils that are moist to wet with a neutral or acid PH. In some species, the fragrant flowers are quite showy with attractive seed pods. Only the seed pods of Illicium verum (Chinese Star Anise) are recognized for culinary use in teas and as a spice. All other species have a variety of toxic characteristics in leaves, stems, and/or seed pods. Use as a specimen, a hedge, or along ponds and streams in a naturalized or woodland garden. Propagate by layering, stem cuttings, or seed. Star Anise is resistant to deer browsing. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Moist | Occasionally Wet
Available space
6-feet-12 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
2 - Understory (15-40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Multi-stemmed; Pyramidal; Rounded
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen; Semi-evergreen
Leaf color
Green; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Lanceolate; Obovate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy; Leathery
Leaf value
Fragrant
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Alternate green leaves on petioles have entire margins. Their color (green to purple to varigated), shape, and feel vary depending on species.
Flower color
Cream/Tan; Gold/Yellow; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Fragrant
Flower form
Solitary
Flower shape
Star
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Flowers consist or 7 to 20 tepals, sometimes more than 20, depending on species. Flowers can also vary in color, size and description depending on species.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Aggregate; Follicle
Fruit value
Fragrant
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
The fruit is an aggregate of follicles arranged in a star-shaped whorl.
Stem color
Cream/Tan; Green; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
Stem color will vary depending on the species or cultivar.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Parts of SE Asia, SE US, Central America, and the Caribbean
Only the seed pods of Illicium verum (Chinese star anise) are recognized for culinary use in teas and as a spice. All other species have a variety of toxic characteristics in leaves, stems, and/or seed pods.
Uses (ethnobotany)
The seed pods of Illicium verum (Chinese Star Anise) can be used for culinary use in teas and as a spice. All other species have toxic characteristics in leaves, stems, and/or seed pods.