Description

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a 2-4′ tall native perennial that grows naturally in prairies, upland forests, plains, and fields. The flower clusters are showy, with small, tubular, bright lavender flowers growing on tall (3-6″) terminal spikes. One plant can produce up to 90,000 individual flowers. Anise Hyssop is considered high value for pollinators. It’s a good nectar plant with a long bloom season that lasts from June until the first frost, providing food for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The seed heads persist into the winter and help to feed songbirds when other food sources are scarce. Anise Hyssop is also edible. The leaves smell like anise when crushed and can be used as a seasoning, as a tea, and can be crumbled in salad. Seeds can be used in cookies, cakes, and muffins. The flowers can also be used as seasoning or in tea.