Illicium parviflorum (Yellow Anisetree)

Illicium parviflorum, also called small anisetree or yellow anisetree, is a dense, upright, evergreen shrub, originally native to Georgia and Florida. Typically found as an understory shrub or small tree, Illicium parviflorum grows best in full or partial shade, and grows to approximately 8-15' tall and about 6-10' wide, making it an excellent choice for shaded screens or borders, or for naturalizing as an evergreen understory 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.

Illicium parviflorum is one of the more cold hardy members of the Schisandraceae family, and this allows it to survive and thrive in not just tropical and near-tropical areas, but as far north as Zones 6 and 7, where it works great as an evergreen hedge plant. Yellow anisetree grows best in medium-moist soils and full shade, but can tolerate some sun, a variety of soil types, and perpetually wet soils, and is also resistant to deer browsing, thanks to its fragrance and toxicity. 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.