Anise Hyssop | Agastache foeniculum

Planted in full or partial sun and mesic to dry conditions, this perennial grows 3 to 5 feet tall and is planted 12 to 24 inches apart in well-drained soil. The foliage has an anise or licorice scent and can be used as a flavoring in salads and teas. Seeds can be used in cookies cakes and muffins. The upper stems terminate in spikes of flowers that can come in many colors about 3-6″ long. The small flowers are arranged in dense whorls that are crowded along the spike and the flowers are replaced by smooth, oval-shaped nutlets. Flowering starts, even in unfavorable summers, in late July and continues until late autumn. The plants will self-seed in the garden and usually overwinter well if the soil is well-drained. Anise hyssop will attract bees, butterflies and/or birds to the garden. If you decide to propagate this plant, division can be done in spring or fall.

• Attributes:

  Genus:

  Agastache

  Species:

  foeniculum

  Family:

  Lamiaceae

  Life Cycle:

  Perennial

  Recommended Propagation Strategy:

  Division

  Seed

  Country Or Region Of Origin:

  North America

  Wildlife Value:

  Anise hyssop will attract bees, butterflies and/or birds to the garden.

  Play Value:

  Wildlife Food Source

  Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):

  insects, diseases

  Edibility:

  The foliage has an anise or licorice scent and can be used as flavoring in salads and teas. Seeds can be used in cookies cakes and muffins. Flower can be used as a seasoning or in tea.

  Dimensions:

  Height: 3 ft. 0 in. – 5 ft. 0 in.

  Width: 1 ft. 6 in. – 3 ft. 0 in.

• Whole Plant Traits:

  Plant Type:

  Edible

  Herb

  Perennial

  Habit/Form:

  Erect

  Growth Rate:

  Medium

  Maintenance:

  Low

  Texture:

  Medium