General Information
•Status in Florida: Endemic and Critically Endangered
•Native Habitat: Moist, acidic soils in bottomland forests, hydric hammocks, and along spring runs and seepage streams
•Native States: Florida (extirpated from Georgia)
•Growing Zones: USDA Zones 7b–10a
•Size at Maturity: 10–15 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide
•Phenology: Evergreen
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Growth Rate: Moderate
•Growth Habit: Upright, bushy shrub or small tree with a pyramidal form
•Bloom Season: Spring
•Bloom Color: Greenish-yellow, bell-shaped flowers       
Growth Conditions
•Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
•Soil Texture: Acidic, well-drained soils; adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils
•Soil pH: Acidic to slightly acidic (pH 4.5–6.5)
•Moisture Requirements: Moderate to moist; drought-tolerant once established
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low
•Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Specimen plant, naturalized areas, woodland gardens, privacy screens
•Maintenance Tips: Prune after flowering to maintain shape; mulch to retain soil moisture
•Considerations: Produces aromatic, licorice-scented leaves; non-invasive; attracts pollinators
•Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
•Erosion Control: No
•Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
•Edible: No (toxic if ingested)
•Pet Safe: Caution (toxic to pets if ingested)
•Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
•Historical Medicinal Uses: None documented
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), Swampbay (Persea palustris), Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix)
•Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies
•Caterpillar Host Plant: No
•Propagation: Seed (requires scarification), cuttings 
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Special Notes on Ocala Anise:
•Endemic to central Florida, primarily in Marion, Lake, Volusia, and Seminole counties
•Named for the Ocala region, where it was first identified
•Known for its aromatic, leathery leaves that emit a licorice-like scent when crushed
•Produces star-shaped, brown seed pods that are visually appealing but toxic if ingested
•Suitable for shaded or woodland gardens; provides dense foliage for privacy screens
•Requires moist, acidic soils and benefits from regular watering during dry periods