Variegated Florida Anise (Illicium floridanum 'Shady Lady') Florida Anise has been one of our favorite native shrubs for many years. It grows well in shaded sites and is tolerant of moist soil. We immediately fell in love with this variegated variety of our old friend when we first saw it. Tom Dodd, III of Alabama found this beauty and introduced it to the trade. The leaves have a spicy fragrance akin to licorice when crushed. Shady Lady has light lavender-pink blooms in the Spring. Although the wild form can grow up to 20' high it can be easily kept much lower with moderate pruning to be enjoyed as a lush color accent in a shaded site.