Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Illicium anisatum
Japanese Star Anise
- Family
- Schisandraceae
- Height
- 6 to 10 feet
- Width
- 6 to 10 feet
- Flower color
- Creamy white to pale yellow white star shaped flowers often with pink to red tinged buds and numerous narrow petals
- Foliage color
- Glossy dark green lance shaped leaves; aromatic when crushed
- Bloom time
- Mid spring, often April to May
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Average
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove old branches
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Bees and other pollinating insects
About this plant
Illicium anisatum produces star-shaped creamy white flowers in mid to late spring, each bloom formed with narrow petals arranged in layered whorls around the center. The blossoms appear along the stems and provide subtle color among the foliage. Glossy, leathery leaves cover the branches, displaying deep green surfaces and releasing a spicy fragrance when crushed. The evergreen foliage forms a dense canopy that remains colorful throughout the year.
Native to Japan, Illicium anisatum grows naturally in woodland habitats and forest margins. In gardens it adds evergreen structure to shaded borders and woodland plantings where the glossy foliage and unusual flowers provide quiet seasonal interest.
Works well in
Woodland Gardens · Shade Gardens · Borders · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Mahonias · Astilbe · Heucheras · Maidenhair fern · Corydalis · Lily-of-the-valley
Design tip
Use Japanese star anise to provide year-round structure in a shaded planting. Its dense evergreen canopy and glossy dark green foliage create a substantial backdrop, while creamy white star-shaped spring flowers add subtle seasonal interest without overwhelming neighboring plants.
