Growing Conditions

• Since the tree is native to the Middle East and parts of Asia, it is difficult to grow in the United States. It does not tolerate cold very well, preferring that temperatures not drop much lower than 23 degrees F. It is possible to grow it in a greenhouse where temperatures are monitored, and sometimes it does well as a potted plant, though it does grow to be quite large. It can exceed 26 feet in height. It needs loose, well-drained soil, and prefers sunlight.
  
  

Location and Production

• Because of the tree's preference for its native countries' growing conditions, growing the tree in the United States for export of its seeds has proved impossible. It fares relatively well in the Southwest United States. It is a slow-maturing tree that does not produce fruit until it is 15 years old, but can then be harvested three times each year for as long as 100 years. You can start the tree in a greenhouse and keep it there for its first year before transplanting it to an optimum growing spot.
  
  

Japanese Star Anise

• If you are propagating from seed, be certain to get seed from the Chinese tree, Illiceum verum, and not the Japanese star anise, which is known as I. Lanceolatum. The latter is highly toxic, though the leaves are sometimes used as incense. Purchase edible star anise from a reputable source to be certain there is no confusion in the seeds. Chinese herbalists are a good source for seeds. Nurseries sometimes sell the Japanese anise as a landscaping ornamental, not as a source of the seed, which is smaller and darker than Chinese anise and whose scent resembles that of cardamom.
  
  

Star Anise Uses

• The flavor of the star anise seed has been likened to licorice, and is naturally sweet. It is a star ingredient in five-spice powder, and in the United States is used to flavor compotes and liqueurs. In liqueurs, it is sometimes called anisette. The fruit also has medicinal properties as an antibacterial, antispasmodic and expectorant, and is an ingredient in Tami-flu. Some cultures in the plant's native countries chew it after a meal to sweeten breath and aid in digestion. It also can have side effects if used in excess; they include, vomiting, seizures and nervousness.