Star Anise Plant

Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) is an evergreen shrub or small tree with aromatic foliage and star-shaped fruit. It can be grown as a specimen or informal hedge in warm gardens, and its fruit is the culinary star anise used as a spice. ## Appearance and placement The North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox lists a broad mature range of 1–20 feet tall and 1–15 feet wide, reflecting variation in growing conditions. The leathery leaves and bark are aromatic, and the flowers are followed by distinctive star-shaped pods. Provide enough space for a full shrub or small tree rather than treating it as a compact herb. ## Growing conditions Use a warm, sheltered site with well-drained soil and steady moisture during active growth. It is suited to tropical and subtropical cultivation; protect it from cold outside suitable climates. The species may be propagated by seed or cuttings, though fresh seed is important for dependable germination. ## Important identification note Only fruit from Illicium verum is recognized for culinary use. Other Illicium species can have toxic leaves, stems or fruits, and Japanese star anise (I. anisatum) is a potentially toxic lookalike. Confirm plant identity before using any fruit as food. ## Maintenance Keep the root area evenly moist without leaving it waterlogged, and prune lightly to maintain the desired outline. [NC State Extension star anise profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/illicium/common-name/star-anise/) · [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:554553-1/general-information)