Florida anisetree
Illicium floridanum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Florida anisetree (Illicium floridanum) is a perennial shrub native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 1 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw flies and beetles.
Light
shade
Water
high
Size
72"–120" H × 60"–96" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 1 more states
Pollinators
flies, beetles
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A rounded evergreen shrub with leathery aromatic leaves and nodding star-shaped maroon-red flowers with many narrow petals. It is one of the few broadleaf evergreens that thrives in deep shade and consistently wet soil.
Growing Florida anisetree
Grow Florida anisetree in shade and high water. Mature plants reach 72 to 120 inches tall and spread 60 to 96 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Provides dense year-round evergreen cover for birds in shaded, wet ground where few shrubs persist.
Common questions
- How much sun does Florida anisetree need?
- Florida anisetree grows best in shade conditions.
- When does Florida anisetree bloom?
- Florida anisetree blooms in April and May.
- Where is Florida anisetree native?
- Florida anisetree (Illicium floridanum) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Florida anisetree attract?
- Florida anisetree draws flies and beetles.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
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