Purple Anise - Illicium floridanum (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Purple Anise

Also known as: Stink-Bush, Florida Anisetree

The Illicium floridanum is an evergreen shrub that's native to the southeastern United States. It is commonly called purple Anise because of its anise-like odor, but it is not actually related to the anise that is used for culinary purposes. Fast-growing and low-maintenance, it's often used in landscaping. Poisonous to livestock.

Scientific classification

Species

Purple Anise (Illicium floridanum)

Austrobaileya, anises, and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

1.8 m to 3 m

Plant Height

1.8 m to 3 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Copper, Yellow, Gold

Fruit Color

Red, Purple

Flower Color

Gray, Silver, Brown

Stem Color

Images of Purple Anise

Distribution of Purple Anise

Distribution Map

Purple Anise is a plant with roots primarily in the southeastern region of North America. It has also been introduced and cultivated in various temperate areas outside its native range, where it is appreciated for ornamental purposes. The plant enjoys a diversified habitat in cultivation, markedly beyond its original geographic confines.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Streams, Swamps, Woodland, Thickets

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

The purple Anise sports colorful foliage and flowers, making it a fantastic ornamental hedge or screen plant in cottage and rain gardens. It thrives in moist, well-draining soils and shady garden beds and borders. While the foliage is evergreen, the showy blooms only appear during the spring and summer. It's also resistant to deer.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Toxicity

Purple Anise is a poisonous plant causing severe gastrointestinal issues and possibly death in humans when ingested. Leaves, fruits, and seeds are toxic. Both cats and dogs face moderate toxicity risk, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and convulsions. Immediate veterinary care is essential if pets are suspected to have consumed any part of purple Anise.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Purple Anise

Elliptic, pseudo-whorled leaves with an anise scent when bruised.

Showy maroon-purple flowers with strap-shaped petals and unpleasant odor.

Star-shaped fruit whorls transitioning from green to brown, containing shiny brown seeds.

Stout, shiny stems with gray-brown coloration, featuring small lenticels for texture.

Thick, glossy dark green leaves with reddish-purple petioles emitting a distinctive scent.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Purple Anise

Every 2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Purple Anise flourishes in moist, humid environments and shows moderate drought tolerance. Water every two weeks to match its natural cycle. Primarily an outdoor plant, it thrives on rainfall and dew, which supports its evergreen foliage across seasons.

Fertilize: Purple Anise thrives with balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer every 2-3 months during spring and summer, applying 1 tablespoon per square foot. Reduce frequency in fall and stop in winter. Water thoroughly after fertilizing to aid absorption and support foliage density and blooms. Use less for younger or recently transplanted purple Anises.

Pruning: Purple Anise features star-shaped flowers and aromatic leaves. Annual pruning in early to late winter shapes the plant, removes dead branches, and enhances air circulation. Regular pruning prevents disease, promotes blooming, and maintains aesthetics. Use clean tools to reduce infection risks during pruning.

Propagation: Purple Anise is an evergreen shrub prized for star-shaped flowers and aromatic leaves. Propagate by sowing fresh seeds in well-draining soil, maintaining moisture and warmth for germination. Once established, transfer seedlings to pots, ensuring proper light and water for healthy growth.

Repotting: Repot purple Anise every 2-3 years during spring, using a pot slightly larger than the root ball. Post-repotting, place purple Anise in shade and maintain consistent moisture to aid acclimation, promoting vibrant foliage and unique star-shaped flowers.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free