Anisetree is an erect, narrow, flowering evergreen tree that is native to China. It has simple leathery leaves that are fragrant like anise when crushed. Pink flowers are on the small side for Illicium and appear from May to June. Star-shaped seed capsules follow the flowers in the summer. Anisetree prefers part shade to shade but will tolerate more sun if given enough moisture. It is best grown in loam or organic soils that are moist to wet with a neutral or acid PH. It is resistant to deer browsing. 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. You can use the plant as a specimen, a hedge, or along ponds and streams in a naturalized or woodland garden. Propagate by layering, stem cuttings, or seed. 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. More information on Illicium .
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.