Yellow Anise Tree (Illicium parviflorum): Fragrant Foliage for Shade

The yellow anise tree, or small-flowered anise (Illicium parviflorum), is an evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States. Valued for its aromatic foliage and tolerance of shade, it makes an excellent foundation planting or screen in woodland gardens.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This upright, suckering shrub reaches 10–15 feet tall. Its olive-green leaves are elliptical, leathery, and emit a strong anise-like fragrance when crushed. Small, pale yellow flowers appear in late spring, followed by star-shaped seed capsules. The plant forms dense thickets over time.

Cultivation and Uses

Yellow anise thrives in partial to full shade and moist, acidic, well-drained soil. It is deer-resistant and tolerates wet conditions better than many shrubs. Use it for hedges, screens, or naturalizing in shaded areas. It is also the source of commercial anise oil in some regions.

Toxicity Note

While related to culinary star anise (Illicium verum), this species is considered toxic and should not be ingested.