Illicium floridanum Large Shrubs mounding evergreen gardenia with lustrous

mounding evergreen gardenia with lustrous black-green leaves and single

or the front of a sunny border

or in a mass where the early feathery white can be enjoyed up close

and give way to the large

and the plant asks almost nothing in return: no rich soil

Illicium floridanum Large Shrubs mounding evergreen gardenia with lustrousIllicium floridanum, the Florida anise, is a lush evergreen shrub of the southern woods, prized for glossy, dark green leaves that release a clean anise or licorice scent when crushed. In mid spring the plant hangs itself with curious flowers, two inches across and shaped like deep maroon starfish, their many narrow petals radiating from the center. Dense, shade loving, and richly aromatic in leaf, Florida anise brings a bold, tropical looking