Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum syn. A. anethiodora, Stachys foeniculum)
Although they both belong to the mint family, Lamiaceae, anise hyssop or giant hyssop (A. foeniculum) should not be confused with true hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis).
Agastache is from the Greek agan, “very much” and stachys, “ear of wheat”, referring to the shape of the flower spikes.
Description
Anise hyssop is a hardy perennial (60cm-1m) with an erect habit. The pointed ovate leaves are soft with a whitish underside and strongly anise scented. Long spikes of purple-blue flowers with showy bracts are borne in late summer.
Very similar (and prone to cross-pollinate with A. foeniculum) is Korean Mint (Agastache rugosa).
Agastache foeniculum ‘Alabaster’ has white flowering spikes.
Ideal growing conditions
A sunny site with rich and moist soil is best for growing anise hyssop although they tolerate poorer and drier soils. It makes a beautiful tall border and has a long flowering period.
Propagating
Seeds: Propagate in spring by sowing seeds
Root division: divide the creeping root in spring
Cuttings: semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Companion Planting
It is an excellent herb to plant for bees, butterflies and nectar-eating birds. Combine with other bee attracting flowers such as bergamot (Monarda, bee balm). Also mentioned as a good companion to roses, French hollyhock (Malva sylvestris) and Japanese anemones. It does well in the herb garden with garlic chives, oregano and thyme.
Harvesting
Leaves are harvested throughout spring and summer and flowers in summer to autumn as needed.
Uses
Culinary: The leaves (fresh or dried) make a delicious tea and the flowers can be added to salads, or used as an edible garnish. Dried leaves are used as a seasoning.
Medicinal: Native Americans used the tea as a cough medicine.
Household: Leaves and flowers are dried and added to pot-pourris.
Other names for anise hyssop
anise hyssop, anise mint, giant hyssop, giant blue hyssop, liquorice mint, licorice mint, Mexican giant mint, lavender hyssop
Sources
The Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Herbs, DK, 2008
The Complete Book of Herbs, Lesley Bremness, DK, 1995
Smithsonian Handbook of Herbs, Lesley Bremness, DK, 2002
Wikipedia
Folia
Mother Eart Living
