Hyssop, Anise (Agastache foeniculum)

A native perennial plant, Anise Hyssop flowers are one of the most strikingly beautiful and stately flowers in the medicinal garden. They are quite easy to grow from seed and can tolerate light shade as well as drought.

Anise Hyssop is not only beautiful to gaze upon with its bright flower heads and purple tinged leaves, but this superstar is also quite unparalleled in attracting different species of bees. Watching this plant interact with pollinators is a wonder to behold. It’s like a bee highway as all kinds of winged friends delight in the sweet nectar of this friend. Anise Hyssop also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and gold finches delight in their seed heads.

Anise Hyssop has aromatic aerial parts that are scented like licorice and have a sweet taste. The leaves and flowers can be added to salads and baked goods and also make a most delightful tea. Children love this mint family plant and are naturally drawn to it to nibble on the tasty sweet leaves.

To the Cheyenne nation, Anise Hyssop was also a helpful herb to alleviate a "dispirited heart". Other first nations peoples worked with this herb for a variety of health challenges as well. Anise hyssop is indeed a wonderful medicinal ally and helpful for dispersing summer heat, throat care, as well as treating cold and flu. A must have in the garden and in our medicine cabinets.