Anise Tree
Illicium simonsii
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. |
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Light | Filtered sun, Partial shade |
Watering | Keep soil consistently moist. |
Blooms | Late spring |
Mature Size | Slowly reaches 6 to 8 ft. tall, 6 ft. wide. |
Deciduous/Evergreen | Evergreen |
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Special Features | Easy Care |
Growth Rate | Slow |
Flower Attributes | Showy Flowers |
Landscape Use | Border |
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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 | 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. |
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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. |
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This Plant's Growing Zones: 8-10

Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone:
Your climate may be too cold for this plant
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This plant may be available in these stores:
Due to the seasonal nature of plants, availability at your local garden center is not guaranteed. Give them a call before visiting.
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101 Market 8980 Quantrelle Ave. N.e.
Otsego, MN 55330 -
14th Street Garden Center 793 Jersey Ave.
Jersey City, NJ 07303 -
3rd Avenue Floral & Greenhouse 1110 3rd Ave. West
Dickinson, ND 58601
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Monrovia grows beautiful plants for every region
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.
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.