SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 22796.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "22796" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Florida anisetree

Scientific Name: Illicium floridanum

Family: Illiciaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: FL (Florida anise), GA (Florida anise-tree)

       

Florida Anise (Illicium floridanum)

Illicium floridanum, commonly known as Florida anise or anise-tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text indicates that Illicium floridanum is toxic and not edible.

Considerations for Children

  • The text indicates that Illicium floridanum is toxic and not edible.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Illicium floridanum J. Ellis
  • Common Names: Florida anise, anise-tree
  • Family: Illiciaceae
  • Kingdom: Not explicitly mentioned, but implied as part of the plantae kingdom.
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Not explicitly mentioned, but the text notes "Previously Used Scientific Names," implying past taxonomic revisions.
  • Cultivars: 'Alba', 'Halley's Comet', 'Semnes', 'Pink Frost' (PP21,287)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the southeastern United States, particularly Florida and Louisiana.
  • Also found in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
  • Often found in moist, shady ravines.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Broad-leaved evergreen shrub or small tree.
  • Compact stature, typically reaching a maximum height of 6 to 10 feet (up to 20 feet in some cases).
  • Rapidly growing.
  • Many slender branches.
  • Leaves are leathery, smooth, shiny, and olive green, resembling rhododendron leaves. They are lance-shaped to narrowly ovate, entire margin, with a red leaf.
  • Flowers are reddish-purple, starry, and two inches in diameter. Cultivars offer white or maroon flowers.
  • Variable habit, generally upright and compact.

Ecological Role

  • Native to the southeastern US, often found in moist, shaded locations.
  • Ideal for shady yards that need screening.

Other Organisms

  • The text mentions that the whole plant has an aroma.

Additional Information

  • Hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 or 8 through 10.
  • Resembles rhododendrons in appearance and growing needs.
  • Can be trained as a tree.
  • The aromatic foliage releases a scent when crushed.
  • Used as a screening plant and in mixed shrub borders.