Florida Sunshine Anise

Illicium parviflorum ‘Florida Sunshine’

Common Name:
Florida Sunshine Anise

Mature Height and Width:
6–10' tall × 4–6' wide (can be maintained smaller with pruning)

Growth Habit:
Upright to loosely pyramidal evergreen shrub with layered branching and moderate density. Forms a vertical screening shrub but retains a slightly open natural silhouette rather than a tight hedge.

Foliage Description:
Bright chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage, especially vibrant in partial shade. Leaves are lanceolate, glossy, and aromatic when crushed. Foliage color deepens toward greenish-yellow in heavier shade and may bleach slightly in intense sun.

Flower Description:
Small maroon to burgundy star-shaped flowers hidden within foliage; ornamental value is minimal compared to foliage display.

Bloom Time:
Spring (inconspicuous)

Fall Color:
Evergreen; no fall color

Light Requirements:
Part shade to full shade preferred. Tolerates sun with adequate moisture but best foliage color occurs with filtered light.

Hardiness Zone:
USDA Zones 7–10 (reliable in protected Zone 7 sites)

Notable Landscape Uses:
Shade screen; woodland hedge; bright evergreen backdrop; foundation planting; mass planting for contrast; moist site plantings; deer-challenged landscapes.

Deer Resistance:
High
Aromatic foliage and texture make it consistently avoided in Northeast browsing pressure.