Illicium parviflorum 'Florida Sunshine' (Yellow Anisetree)

Illicium parviflorum 'Florida Sunshine' is a cultivar of yellow anisetree, a dense, upright, evergreen shrub, originally native to Georgia and Florida. Though the name yellow anisetree typically refers to the shrub's flowers, it is especially apt in the case of the 'Florida Sunshine' cultivar, which has both yellow flowers and chartreuse-yellow foliage. Typically found as an understory shrub or small tree, Illicium parviflorum grows best in full or partial shade; though the parent species can reach sizes of up to 8-15' tall, this yellow-leaf cultivar grows to a more manageable size of only 5-8' tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for shaded screens or borders, and for use as an evergreen foundation planting.

Anisetree draws its name from the spicy, anise-like scent produced by brushing or bruising plant tissues; in fact, Illicium parviflorum is related to the plant from which we get star anise, Illicium verum, though yellow anisetree should not be used in edible plant gardens, as the seeds and parts of many star anise relatives are toxic. 'Florida Sunshine' anisetree is resistant to deer and rabbit damage, due to its fragrance and toxicity, and grows best in medium-moist soils and full shade, though it can tolerate some partial sun. Although not necessarily showy, yellow anisetree's small, yellow flowers in spring and summer add additional interest and attract a number of pollinating beetle species, and the shrub's tolerance of a variety of soil types and low maintenance growth habit make it an excellent choice for shade and part-shade gardening.