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Anise Tree

Illicium simonsii

Pronunciation: il-LISS-ee-um
SKU #05721
8-10

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LIGHT: Filtered sun, Partial shade
WATER: Keep soil consistently moist.
SIZE: Slowly reaches 6 to 8 ft. tall, 6 ft. wide.

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Description Exceptionally fragrant shrub or small flowering tree from China. Crushed foliage releases a spicy anise fragrance. Creamy yellow blooms may produce showy seedpods that resemble culinary star anise- do not ingest! Excellent for cool, lightly shaded spots.
Bloom Time Late spring
Deciduous/Evergreen Evergreen
Special Features Easy Care
Problems/Solutions Deer Resistant
Growth Rate Slow
Flower Attributes Showy Flowers
Landscape Use Border
Design Ideas Plant in woodland garden understory, or in lightly shaded beds in the company of spring blooming rhododendrons and camellias.
Flower Color Yellow
Foliage Color Green
Companion Plants Aralia (Fatsia); Sweet Box (Sarcococca); Tree Fern (Dicksonia); Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra); Bush Lily (Clivia)
Care Instructions Provide well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Protect from harsh afternoon sun. Mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture. Feed with an acid fertilizer before spring growth. Rarely requires pruning.
Lore This ornamental shrub or small tree is native to the mountains of southeastern China. If planted in groups, it often produces interesting, star-shaped seedpods that are remarkably similar to that of the culinary seasoning obtained from Illicium verum - however the seeds of this species are not edible and should not be ingested.
Details
DescriptionExceptionally fragrant shrub or small flowering tree from China. Crushed foliage releases a spicy anise fragrance. Creamy yellow blooms may produce showy seedpods that resemble culinary star anise- do not ingest! Excellent for cool, lightly shaded spots.
Bloom TimeLate spring
Deciduous/EvergreenEvergreen
Special FeaturesEasy Care
Problems/SolutionsDeer Resistant
Growth RateSlow
Flower AttributesShowy Flowers
Style
Landscape UseBorder
Design IdeasPlant in woodland garden understory, or in lightly shaded beds in the company of spring blooming rhododendrons and camellias.
Flower ColorYellow
Foliage ColorGreen
Companion PlantsAralia (Fatsia); Sweet Box (Sarcococca); Tree Fern (Dicksonia); Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra); Bush Lily (Clivia)
Care
Care InstructionsProvide well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Protect from harsh afternoon sun. Mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture. Feed with an acid fertilizer before spring growth. Rarely requires pruning.
History
LoreThis ornamental shrub or small tree is native to the mountains of southeastern China. If planted in groups, it often produces interesting, star-shaped seedpods that are remarkably similar to that of the culinary seasoning obtained from Illicium verum - however the seeds of this species are not edible and should not be ingested.

Frequently asked questions

Does Anise Tree produce flowers?
Late spring
Is Anise Tree evergreen or deciduous?
Anise Tree is Evergreen.
What are the special features of Anise Tree?
Anise Tree is Easy Care.
Is Anise Tree resistant to pests or animals?
Deer Resistant
How fast does Anise Tree grow?
Anise Tree has a Slow growth rate.
Where can I use Anise Tree in my landscape?
Anise Tree is suitable for: Border.
How can I use Anise Tree in my garden design?
Plant in woodland garden understory, or in lightly shaded beds in the company of spring blooming rhododendrons and camellias.
What color are Anise Tree flowers?
Anise Tree produces Yellow flowers.
What color is the foliage of Anise Tree?
Anise Tree has Green foliage.
What plants grow well with Anise Tree?
Good companion plants for Anise Tree include: Aralia (Fatsia); Sweet Box (Sarcococca); Tree Fern (Dicksonia); Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra); Bush Lily (Clivia).
How do I care for Anise Tree?
Provide well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Protect from harsh afternoon sun. Mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture. Feed with an acid fertilizer before spring growth. Rarely requires pruning.

About Us

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.