Illicium sp. (False Anise)

Illicium sp. (False Anise) green plant with yellow flowers, multiple branches reaching upward to sky
Illicium sp. (False Anise) plant with pointed green leaves and pale yellow star-shaped flower clusters.

Botanical name: Illicium sp.

Common names: False Anise, Anise Tree, Star Anise, Licorice

Family: Illiciaceae

Origin: East Asia

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 7-10

Plant type: Spice or herb
Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Large bush or small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Semi-shadeShadeSun exposure: Semi-shade; shade
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
White, off-white flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersYellow, orange flowersFlower color: White and off-white; red, crimson, vinous; yellow, orange
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Irritating plantIrritating or toxic: Irritating
Fragrant plantFragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant

This interesting genus originates from the temperate to subtropical regions of East Asia and the Americas. It contains about 40 frost-hardy evergreen shrubs and small trees, grown for their handsome foliage and fragrant flowers. In older publications you may see the Illicium genus placed in the Magnoliaceae family. This is no longer correct as they are now placed in their own family Illiciaceae.

Star-anise (I. verum) from China and Vietnam is the source of a culinary spice and reportedly has medicinal uses. Illicium verum has a foliage and stems with a delightful anise odor that reminds of root beer with hints of licorice. The other species are toxic and are not a substitute for the culinary spice and flavorings obtained from Illicium verum, although they also have pleasant anise smell. Prefers partial shade or partial sun; soil should be moist.

See article about Illicium verum - Star Anise


Image gallery: 19 images
Illicium sp. (False Anise) plant with glossy green leaves and wet water droplets nearby.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) plant with smooth green leaves covered in small morning water droplets.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) yellow flower close up with smooth green leaves on stem
Illicium sp. (False Anise) flower with pointed petals beside thick evergreen foliage on woody stem
Illicium sp. (False Anise) yellow flower close up capturing delicate rounded petals with green center.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) flower with soft yellow petals and a small green central area.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) pale yellow flower close up with green leaves in background
Illicium sp. (False Anise) flower with slender pale yellow petals attached to a woody stem
Illicium sp. (False Anise) green leaves plant close up after rainfall with wet texture
Illicium sp. (False Anise) showing lush green foliage covered in refreshing raindrops on the surface
Illicium sp. (False Anise) brown star-shaped fruit close up on white background
Illicium sp. (False Anise) dried star-shaped fruit with brown segments and interior seeds visible
Illicium sp. (False Anise) yellow flower close up showing many narrow petals and stamens.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) yellow flower with many thin petals and a central cluster.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) creamy yellow flower close up with dark green glossy leaves.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) flower with narrow creamy yellow petals against deep green waxy foliage.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) pink and yellow flower close up on a branch.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) pink and yellow flower on a stem among dark green leaves.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) pale yellow star flower close up against dark green foliage leaves
Illicium sp. (False Anise) star flower with pale yellow petals emerging from thick dark green leaves.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) dried brown fruit star shapes and seeds on a plate
Illicium sp. (False Anise) dried star-shaped brown fruit pods and seeds sit on a plate.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) yellow flower close up among thick green leaves on plant
Illicium sp. (False Anise) flower with pale yellow petals surrounded by thick green waxy leaves
Illicium sp. (False Anise) pink flower close up with green stems in soft light
Illicium sp. (False Anise) pink flower with multiple narrow petals and central stamens among green leaves
Illicium sp. (False Anise) pink flower with long smooth green leaves in a close up.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) pink flower growing among thick smooth dark green foliage on the stem.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) red flower close up with orange tones, deep green background leaves.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) flower with layered red petals and a small center, green leaves visible.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) green fruit close up on a branch with smooth leaves
Illicium sp. (False Anise) star-shaped green fruit developing on a branch with thick smooth leaves
Illicium sp. (False Anise) green star shaped fruit close up with red edges.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) star shaped fruit with light green color and reddish edges.
Illicium sp. (False Anise) green star shaped fruit close up with red pointed edges
Illicium sp. (False Anise) showing star shaped green fruit with red tints near the edges
Illicium sp. (False Anise) brown star-shaped fruit close up on white background
Illicium sp. (False Anise) star-shaped woody fruit with visible seeds on white background


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