Florida Sunshine anise brightens shady spots with cheery chartreuse foliage

Get It Growing for 10/18/24

Each year, the LSU AgCenter names at least four plants to be included in the ever-growing list of Louisiana Super Plant selections. Super Plants are tried and true, tested and tough. They’ve proven themselves to be successful in all parts of the state.

The final Super Plant we’re announcing this year is an evergreen shrub called Florida Sunshine anise. You’ll sometimes hear this plant called by part of its botanical name, Florida Sunshine Illicium. The official name of this species is Illicium parviflorum.

The most eye-catching feature of this plant is its gorgeous, glossy, lime green leaves. Many evergreen shrubs sport dark green leaves, making Florida Sunshine anise a unique alternative.

Its lighter green color is reminiscent of the hue of new growth you may have seen on some other shrubs. With Florida Sunshine anise, however, you can enjoy these shades of chartreuse year-round. The color sometimes intensifies in the fall, and in the winter, stems turn reddish.

Can’t you just imagine a bright, cheery natural fence or hedgerow in this wonderful color?

But wait, there’s more: Brushing or crushing the leaves releases a delightful anise fragrance, which smells much like licorice. This aroma is pleasing to us — but not to deer, making this shrub a great fit for landscapes that are frequented by the animals.

Be careful not to use this plant as a flavoring for food. That could be dangerous. Culinary or star anise is harvested from a different species of Illicium (Illicium verum) — so just enjoy Florida Sunshine for the fragrance.

You won’t notice the yellow blooms on this plant, as they are small and insignificant. But they have been reported to be attractive to pollinators.

Despite its name, Florida Sunshine is best planted in part sun or part shade, needing protection from the hot afternoon sun. Highly dappled shade produced by mature pine trees is a perfect environment for this plant. A bit of horticultural trivia: Members of the Illicium genus, which includes evergreen shrubs and small trees, are naturally understory plants that have adapted to thrive in shady areas.

Like many of its fellow Illicium members, Florida Sunshine anise prefers moist soils. Just be sure they still drain and don’t become waterlogged for extended periods of time. This plant will need to be watered during extended hot, dry periods — especially if it’s close to mature trees, which consume a lot of water.

Florida Sunshine anise has no major pest or disease issues and is cold hardy — meaning it can survive the winter — in all of Louisiana.

With its medium to fast growth rate, this shrub will fill in your landscape nicely within just a few years, growing to a mature height of 5 to 8 feet and width of 3 to 5 feet. Give it plenty of room! If you need to tame it a bit, wait until late winter or early spring to prune before the first flush of new growth.

Like what you’ve heard? The cooler temperatures of fall and winter mark the ideal time for planting shrubs and trees in Louisiana. Head to your local garden center and ask for Florida Sunshine anise. With its uplifting, yellow-green hues, it’s sure to brighten your day — and it can do the same for your landscape.

While you’re browsing, check out some of the other Louisiana Super Plants. The roster includes shrubs, trees and warm-season and cool-season bedding plants that have been rigorously evaluated by AgCenter scientists. You can’t go wrong with any of these selections. A full list of Super Plants is available online at www.LSUAgCenter.com/superplants.

LSU AgCenter horticulturist Jason Stagg talks about Florida Sunshine anise, a Louisiana Super Plant selection.

Shrub with yellow-green foliage.

Florida Sunshine anise is a Louisiana Super Plant selection. Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter

Shrub with yellow-green foliage.

With its year-round chartreuse foliage, Florida Sunshine anise can brighten the landscape. Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter

Shrub with yellow-green foliage.

Florida Sunshine anise prefers partially shaded locations and moist soils. Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter

Shrub with yellow-green foliage.

After a few years, Florida Sunshine anise shrubs will grow to a height of 5 to 8 feet and width of 3 to 5 feet. Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter

Shrub with yellow-green foliage.

The leaves of Florida Sunshine anise emit a licorice-like scent when handled. The fragrance is pleasant to people and helps repel deer. Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter

10/21/2024 5:23:50 PM
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