Illicium floridanum 'Laura Murphy' (Florida Anise)

Illicium floridanum 'Laura Murphy', is a showy cultivar Florida anisetree or purple anise, a dense, upright, evergreen shrub, originally native to Florida and several other states along the Gulf of Mexico. Typically found as an understory shrub or small tree in wetter, swampy areas, 'Laura Murphy' Florida anisetree grows best in full or partial shade, and grows to approximately 5-8' tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for shaded screens or borders, or for naturalizing as an evergreen understory planting; the 'Laura Murphy' cultivar adds to its appeal as a border or specimen plant with huge, dark red flowers in the mid to late spring, creating a wonderful pop of color among shaded, dark green foliage. 

Florida anisetree draws its name from the spicy, anise-like scent produced by brushing or bruising plant tissues; in fact, Illicium floridanum is related to the plant from which we get star anise, Illicium verum, though Florida anisetree should not be used in edible plant gardens, as the seeds and parts of many star anise relatives are toxic. Illicium floridanum 'Laura Murphy' is resistant to deer and rabbit damage due to its fragrance and toxicity, and since it grows best in medium-moist soils and shade and can tolerate a variety of soil types and perpetually wet soils, it makes for a versatile shrub choice in a number of locations around the home landscape.