Agastache foeniculum – Anise Hyssop

General Information: A short-lived perennial that easily re-seeds. Upright, with very fragrant, Anise-scented foliage. Deep blue to purple flowers appear in clusters over a long period in summer. Some report this plant to bloom from June until the first frost! Even after the flowers fall away, purple tinges remain on the clusters where the flowers once were (known as a verticillaster) for the remainder of the year. A choice “edimental” that can be used as a seasoning or spice, and an eye-catching, self-fertile, pollinator plant.

Edible Qualities: The leaves and flowers of this species are strongly Anise-flavored and can be used as a flavor substitute. Dried leaves and flowers can be ground or macerated in alcohol to create extracts for baking, or in vinegar as an ingredient for salad dressings. The flower heads themselves also add a unique touch to salads. A refreshing tea can also be made from all aboveground parts of this species which is said to be medicinal.

Cultivation Details: A perfect addition to pocket prairies, cottage gardens, herb gardens, and pollinator plantings. Deadhead flowers for a second flush of blooms. This plant is not susceptible to many fungal or insect diseases. Very easy to grow. Deer resistant, but often browsed by Rabbits. Consider pairing Anise Hyssop with our other offerings: Sweet Goldenrod (Solidago odora), Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium), Dotted Horse Mint (Monarda punctata), Oswego Tea (Monarda fistulosa), ‘Jacob Cline’ Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), Asters (Symphotrichum spp), Prairie Golden Aster (Heterotheca villosa), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Mountain Mints (Pycnanthemum spp.), Heal-All (Prunella vulgaris), and Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)

Growing requirements: Prefers full to part sun and well-drained soils. Tolerant of most soil conditions.