Small Anise Tree. This is a native of exceptional quality, growing in sun or shade and wet or dry. The leaves are arranged prominently upward and are especially effective since they have a yellowish-green color, which contrasts beautifully with plants of a darker green foliage. The flowers are an inconspicuous yellowish-white. It can be kept comfortably at the 6-10' range but will grow larger if allowed. To me the best feature of this plant is its fragrant leaves. I like to crush one, put it in my shirt pocket, and periodically throughout the day pull it out and take a sniff. It has a rich sassafras-like aroma. As with other anise, this plant is insect and deer resistant, a great plus for any plant. We have a gorgeous variegated form of this species, which we are working on, that has white marbling. It occurred at Superior Trees in Florida. I introduced this selection to the Japanese and they were thrilled with it. (Photos courtesy of Randy's Perennials and Water Gardens and Wilson Bros. Gardens).
Zones 6-10.
