Yellow anise (Illicium parviflorum), another Florida native, which is very useful in the landscape. Size is perhaps a bit larger than Florida anise (15 to 20 feet tall), and it can tolerate more sun. This compact, well-behaved Illicium has golden-yellowish foliage and keeps a nice form. Leaves are olive-green, especially when grown in sun, and small yellow flowers often go unnoticed. The growth habit is upright to pyramidal, and suckers often appear around established shrubs. The plant tolerates a wide variety of soils, from extremely moist to dry, and is tolerant of both sun and shade. Yellow anise is easily rooted from cuttings, and it occurs naturally in wet areas in southern Georgia and Florida. Hardy in Zones 7-10, it is a vigorous and worthwhile plant where a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree is needed. This is a deer-resistant shrub and likes partial shade cover.
Do not use illicium floridanum or I. parviflorum as spices. Both are poisonous to both humans and animals and should not be ingested. The leaves and fruits of this plant contain toxic compounds that make it resistant to deer and insects. Although it's poisonous, it's also a popular landscaping plant because it's deer-proof and provides shelter for birds and other wildlife.