Species small anise tree
off-white flowers with lime-green stamens, dark green, lanceolate leaves, and dark green stems

small anise tree

Illicium parviflorum 'Florence'

The Small Anise Tree (Illicium parviflorum 'Florence') is an evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States. It will grow up to 10 feet in height and 6-12 feet in width. Its foliage is a glossy, dark green and is complimented by white, star-shaped blooms that appear in the late spring and summer. The tree's most notable feature is its intensely fragrant, anise-like scent. This aroma is used in the production of candies and liqueurs, making it a valuable addition to any garden. The Florence cultivar of the Small Anise Tree is best grown in full sun or partial shade and needs regular pruning to maintain its shape. Deer and drought tolerant, it provides both beauty and fragrance to any landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 10

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Small anise trees should be watered once a week, providing 1-2 liters of water each time. Water slowly and directly onto the soil so it absorbs better. Water more frequently during summer and less in winter. Make sure the soil drains well so the tree's roots won't be sitting in water. During any season, the soil should be moist but not soggy. Checking the soil before watering is the best way to judge if it needs more moisture. Always fertilize the tree once a month with a quality fertilizer to keep it healthy.

sunlight

The small anise tree (Illicium parviflorum 'Florence') prefers full sun exposure as it will help keep the soil consistently moist and promote healthy growth. This plant species does best in an area that receives 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally during the morning and afternoon hours while avoiding the heat of the midday sun. During the spring and summer months, the small anise tree should receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight. During the cooler fall and winter months, however, the amount of sunlight can be reduced to 4 to 5 hours. By exposing the plant to this amount of sunlight, the small anise tree will be able to flower properly and gain the energy they need for photosynthesis and healthy growth.

pruning

Small anise tree (Illicium parviflorum 'Florence') should be pruned twice a year, in late winter or early spring, and again in early summer. In late winter or early spring, prune out any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and prune away any branches that may obstruct pathways or impinge on adjacent buildings. In early summer, prune back suckers, water sprouts, or too many upright vertical branches, but keep the natural form of the tree. Also prune branches that are crossing 1 another; to open up the interior of the tree and let more light and air in. Avoid pruning off of more than a third of the live growth each year. Additionally, be sure to disinfect pruning tools between cuts with rubbing alcohol or a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Illicium parviflorum 'Florence' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Illicium parviflorum 'Florence' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map