Illicium verum (Chinese anise) — Shrub, Small tree

Overview

Illicium verum is a shrub, small tree shrubs in the genus Illicium, part of the Schisandraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Illicium verum grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include specimen, hedge and woodland garden.

About

Illicium verum (star anise or badian, Chinese star anise, star anise seed, star aniseed and star of anise) is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to South China and northeast Vietnam. Its star-shaped pericarp fruits harvested just before ripening are a spice that closely resembles anise in flavor. Its primary production country is China, followed by Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. Star anise oil is highly fragrant, used in cooking, perfumery, soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and skin creams. Grow it in partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for specimen, hedge and woodland garden. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist conditions and north, east and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Illicium verum

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Illicium

Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil type: Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist
Aspect: North, East, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Illicium verum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Shrub, Small tree
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: Specimen, Hedge, Woodland garden

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Illicium verum

Propagation: Layering, Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed
Pest resistance: Resistant to deer browsing
Disease resistance: Stem canker, Root rot, Crown rot, Bacterial spot, Anthracnose