Native to Japan and Korea, this broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree is a member of the starvine family, Schisandraceae, consisting of 3 genera and 92 species. The plant grows 6-15′ tall and has leathery, glossy green leaves that are 2-4″ long and oval. They have wavy margins and an anise-like fragrance when crushed. Carried perpendicular to the stem, they remain fresh for a long time after cutting, so are valued for flower arrangements. In spring, clusters of creamy-white flowers appear in the leaf axils. The flowers are about 1″ across, lack fragrance, and have 20-30 petals. The dry, star-shaped fruit is up to 3″ long and not edible. The seed, leaves and wood are toxic if ingested. The plants can be used as a hedge or screen, or made into a tree for a patio. The tolerance of the plants to wet soil and shade make them a good choice for rain, water, and shade gardens. The genus name, Illicium, comes from the Latin word illicere, meaning to allure, referring to the appealing fragrance of many species. The specific epithet, anisatum, comes from Greek ἄνηθον ánēthon, the ancient Greek word for dill.
Type: Broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree
Outstanding Feature: Foliage
Form: Rounded to oval or pyramidal
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Bloom: Clusters of creamy-white flowers in spring
Size: 6-15’H x 4-8′ W
Light: Full sun to part shade; shade tolerant
Soil: Fertile, organically rich, moist, well-drained, acidic; tolerates wet soil
Hardiness: Zones 7-9
Care: Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly; occasionally prune to maintain shape or size and remove dead branches; can be made into a small tree
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Stem cuttings, layering, seed
Outstanding Selections:
‘HinPurlf’ (fragrant flowers, dark burgundy new foliage
Pink Stars’ (larger blush pink flowers)
‘Variegata’ (variegated foliage)
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
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Karen Meyers