Anise Hyssop

Anise hyssop (*Agastache foeniculum*) is a perennial herb in the mint family native to northern North America.

Anise hyssop (*Agastache foeniculum*) is a perennial herb in the mint family native to northern North America. It is grown for its fragrant, anise-scented foliage and lavender flower spikes, and is valued as a garden plant, pollinator plant, and culinary herb. The species is native to much of northern North America, including parts of Canada, and is widely grown in Canadian gardens as a hardy, pollinator-friendly perennial.

Description

Anise hyssop is a clump-forming perennial with upright stems, toothed leaves, and showy flower spikes. The foliage is fragrant when crushed, and the flowers usually bloom from early summer into early autumn.

Taxonomy and naming

The species is *Agastache foeniculum* in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its common name reflects the anise-like scent of the leaves, but it is neither true anise nor true hyssop.

Distribution and habitat

The plant is native to much of northern North America, especially the Midwest, Great Plains, and parts of Canada. It is typically associated with prairies, upland openings, and other well-drained sites.

Cultivation and uses

Anise hyssop is grown as an ornamental and pollinator plant because of its long bloom period and nectar-rich flowers. Its leaves and seeds are also used for flavouring tea and some foods.

Ecology and ethnobotany

The flowers support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and the seeds are eaten by birds. Historical Indigenous uses have been recorded for a range of traditional medicinal purposes.