Star anise Illicium verum
Star anise (Illicium verum) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Schisandraceae family, native to Southern China (Guangxi) and northern Vietnam. It grows 5–15 m (16–49 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Star anise at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Schisandraceae |
| Mature height | 5–15 m (16–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: dried star-shaped fruit (spice) |
| Native to | Southern China (Guangxi) and northern Vietnam |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇮🇳 India, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Star anise toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
The true spice is safe, but the look-alike Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) is poisonous (seizures) and has been found mixed into teas; buy from a trusted source.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Star anise
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Star anise
- How far apart should I plant Star anise?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Star anise need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Star anise need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Star anise?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Star anise flower?
- From about March for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Star anise poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. The true spice is safe, but the look-alike Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) is poisonous (seizures) and has been found mixed into teas; buy from a trusted source.
- What grows well with Star anise?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Star anise. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
Notes and assumptions
- An aromatic evergreen with red-pink, many-petalled flowers and woody eight-pointed fruits picked green and dried. Guangxi grows most of the world’s crop. The spice was the main source of shikimic acid for the flu drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Needs acid soil, shelter and steady moisture.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Five-flavour berry (omija) Schisandra chinensis
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana