Anise (Lavender) Hyssop

Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop) is an erect-growing, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial wildflower that can grow to a height of 3.3 ft. This native mint is also known by the common name Lavender Hyssop. When crushed, leaves of Anise Hyssop give off the scent of anise or black licorice. Agastache foeniculum blooms in mid to late summer with blue flowers. Anise Hyssop is native from Wisconsin to eastern Montana, but can be grown in the eastern U.S. Agastache foeniculum naturally occurs in well-drained soils of upland woods and prairies, in full shade to partial sun. Anise Hyssop tolerates deer and drought and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. If your meadow design is not restricted to using locally native species, Agastache foeniculum makes a nice addition to a pollinator-friendly partial or full sun upland meadow. Anise Hyssop is a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. The genus name is derived from two Greek words meaning “very much” and “ear of wheat”, with the latter referring to the appearance of the flower spikes. The species name foeniculum is derived from the Latin word for hay.