Description
Agastache foeniculum, commonly known as Anise Hyssop, is a hardy perennial native to North America. Despite its common name, it is not a true hyssop but a member of the mint family, sharing the aromatic qualities of its relatives. Growing in upright clumps, it produces fragrant green leaves with a sweet licorice-anise aroma and tall spikes of violet to blue flowers that bloom over a long summer season.
The leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas, cordials, salads, or baking, adding a sweet anise flavour without being overpowering. Medicinally, Anise Hyssop has been valued in traditional herbalism for soothing coughs, easing digestion, and supporting colds and flu.
In the garden, Anise Hyssop is a top-choice pollinator plant, beloved by bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. It works well in cottage gardens, herb borders, and meadow-style plantings. The flowers are also excellent for fresh bouquets or dried arrangements.
Hardy across most of New Zealand, it tolerates poor soils and dry spells once established, making it a reliable and rewarding perennial.
