Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a delightful and versatile herb that deserves a spot in every garden. This short-lived perennial, native to North America, is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and boasts a host of attractive qualities.
From its licorice-scented leaves to its spikes of small purple flowers, Anise Hyssop is a feast for the senses.
Pollinator’s Paradise
One of the most remarkable features of Anise Hyssop is its ability to attract a wide variety of pollinators. Bees, especially honey bees and bumblebees, simply can’t resist the abundant nectar and pollen offered by the plant’s flower spikes.
In fact, a single spike can have up to 90,000 individual flowers! Butterflies and hummingbirds (which makes it one of my favorite purple plants) are also frequent visitors, making Anise Hyssop a must-have for any pollinator garden.
What’s more, Anise Hyssop blooms from mid-summer to fall, providing a valuable late-season nectar source when other plants have finished flowering. By including this herb in your garden, you’ll be doing your part to support the essential work of pollinators.
A Tough & Low-Maintenance Plant
Despite its delicate appearance, Anise Hyssop is a tough and resilient plant. It’s hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Once established, it’s very drought tolerant and requires little in the way of maintenance. It doesn’t need frequent watering or fertilizing and can even thrive in poor soils.
Anise Hyssop is also naturally resistant to deer, rabbits, and other browsing animals, thanks to the strong licorice scent of its leaves. And while no plant is completely immune to pests, Anise Hyssop is rarely significantly damaged by insects.
Versatile Ornamental
In addition to its ecological benefits, Anise Hyssop is a stunning ornamental plant. Its purple flower spikes and fragrant foliage make it an attractive addition to herb gardens, perennial borders, wildflower gardens, meadows, and even containers.
And if purple isn’t your color, don’t worry! Several cultivars are available with different flower colors, including pink, white, and blue, as well as varying foliage colors.
Edible & Medicinal Uses
Anise Hyssop isn’t just a pretty face – it’s also a valuable culinary and medicinal herb. The leaves have a sweet, licorice-like flavor and can be used fresh or dried to make tea, flavor foods, or added to salads for a unique twist.
The flowers are also edible and make a beautiful garnish or addition to baked goods.
Historically, Native American tribes used Anise Hyssop for a variety of medicinal purposes, including treating coughs, fevers, wounds, and diarrhea. Modern research has shown that the plant’s essential oil has antiviral properties, particularly against herpes simplex virus in vitro.
Growing & Propagating Anise Hyssop
Ready to add Anise Hyssop to your garden? The good news is that it’s easy to grow from seed. You can sow the seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors and transplant the seedlings later.
Anise Hyssop can also be propagated by division in spring or stem cuttings in summer.
One thing to keep in mind is that Anise Hyssop self-seeds readily. While this can be a desirable trait if you want the plant to naturalize in your garden, it’s a good idea to deadhead spent flowers to prevent excessive spread.
Harvesting & Preserving
To enjoy the flavors and benefits of Anise Hyssop all year round, you can harvest the leaves anytime during the growing season for fresh use or drying. The flowers should be harvested when fully open and can be used fresh or dried for tea or potpourri.
In the fall, you can collect the seeds for planting or use them as an anise-flavored seasoning in your favorite recipes.
A Valuable Companion Plant
Finally, Anise Hyssop is a fantastic companion plant. Its ability to attract beneficial insects like bees, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps can help improve pollination and reduce pest problems in your vegetable or fruit garden. Plus, the seeds provide a valuable food source for goldfinches and other small songbirds in the fall and winter.
As a native plant, Anise Hyssop also plays a vital role in supporting native bee and butterfly populations. By including it in your garden, you’re not only enjoying its many benefits but also contributing to the health and diversity of your local ecosystem.
Is Anise Hyssop Toxic to Dogs / Pets?
While Anise Hyssop is generally considered safe for humans, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for all pets.According to the ASPCA, Anise Hyssop is not listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. But, If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.
If you have pets that are prone to nibbling on plants, it’s best to keep Anise Hyssop out of reach or avoid planting it altogether. As with any new plant, it’s always a good idea to research its potential toxicity to your specific pets before introducing it to your garden.
It’s a remarkable herb that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a pollinator enthusiast, an herb gardener, or simply looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance plant to add to your landscape, Anise Hyssop is an excellent choice.
So why not give it a try and discover the many joys of this fragrant and versatile herb for yourself?
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.