Life … Plants Vascular Plants Dicots Austrobaileya, Anises, and Allies Magnolia-vines, Anises, and Allies Anises Japanese Star Anise species 784 observations Japanese Star Anise Illicium anisatum Field notes Key traits Layer Trees Light Part shade Moisture Well drained Moist Wet Soil Sand Loam Organic Soil pH Acid Deer resistant Yes Resists Erosion Heavy shade Wet soil Habit Dense Erect Multi stemmed Oval Pyramidal Rounded Plant type Perennial Poisonous Shrub Tree From NC State Extension. Close