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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Illicium anisatum

Japanese Star Anise

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.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Average

Bloom time

Mid spring, often April to May

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)