Florida Anise

[SAMPLE] Illicium floridanum 'Halley's Comet'

$28.00 Sold out
USDA Zones 7–9 Part Shade and Full Shade Matures 6–10 Feet

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Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
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The Full Story

Florida anise is a broadleaf evergreen of the southeastern woodlands, prized for glossy, aromatic foliage and unusual star-shaped flowers. The selection 'Halley's Comet' carries deeper red blooms in greater number than the species. A superb structural evergreen for shade, where these plants form a dense, layered presence through every season.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 7–9
Sun
Part Shade, Full Shade
Soil
Moist, Well-drained
Mature size
Height 6–10 Feet · Spread 6–8 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Evergreen
Design Notes

A handsome broadleaf evergreen for shade and woodland edges, valued for year-round structure and the unusual red spring bloom. These plants thrive in the moist, dappled light beneath tall trees, and pair well with ferns, hydrangeas, and other shade-loving natives. Allow room for the broad, layered habit.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Deep red, star-shaped, April to May

Flower. In mid spring, nodding star-shaped flowers of deep maroon-red open along the branches, the selection 'Halley''s Comet' bearing them larger and more freely than the species.

Foliage. Glossy evergreen leaves, aromatic with a sweet anise scent when crushed, hold deep green through the year.

Fruit. Star-shaped seed capsules follow the flowers, ripening from green to brown.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light: Part to full shade; tolerates more sun where soils stay moist.

Soil: Moist, humus-rich, acidic and well-drained.

Water: Keep evenly moist, especially while young.

Pruning: Little needed; shape lightly after flowering.

Hardiness: USDA zones 7 to 9.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.