Yellow-Anise

Illicium parviflorum Michx. ex Vent.

ill-LIC-ee-um  parv-ah-FLOOR-um

Illiciaceae

Explanation of name: Illicium is from Latin illicere for enticing (FNA).  Parviflorum means few-flowered (parvus = Latin for minor).

Natural range: Illicium parviflorum is endemic to Lake, Marion, Orange, Polk, Seminole, and Volusia counties in Florida (FNA), escaped in Georgia (see FNA reference above).

Natural habitat: Swamps and moist woods (FNA)

Recognition: Shrub or small tree with elliptic leaves having rounded or slightly pointed tips, fragrant like licorice when crushed. Flowers yellow with numerous tepals. The related Illicium floridanum J. Ellis has red flowers and leaves with sharply pointed tips. It is native to the Southeast, occurring naturally in Florida in the Panhandle (FNA).

Landscape uses: As a shrub or small tree in shaded to sunny locations, probably best in situations mimicking its shaded, streamside habitats. Use it in clumps, as a specimen, and mixed with other shrubs. The shape is upright or globular, rising ultimately to 20’ tall (SCH). Although sometimes used for a hedge, this may not be optimal as clipping will cut the large (and smelly) leaves. The yellowish flowers are interesting but not showy.

Other: The plant parts are toxic. This species is listed as endangered (State of Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission).

Internet source: http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500689