The many uses of anise hyssop
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a beautiful perennial plant that is native to Butler County. Voted the 2019 Herb of the Year by the International Herb Association, anise hyssop is very easy to grow and only requires minimum care to perform well in almost any garden. This interesting plant, a favorite of both pollinators and humans, offers beauty, sustenance and sustainability.
Anise hyssop is in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and can be identified by its square stem, opposite leaves, and tall spikes of fragrant, tubular purple flowers. Available hybrid varieties show pink, creamy white, powder blue and red-violet blooms with dark green or lime green foliage. Hyssop prefers full sun to part shade and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 8. It grows happily in most soils. However, the soil must be sufficiently well-drained to prevent the roots from rotting.
As a midseason bloomer from late June through September, it is a favorite food source for pollinators, providing nectar for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and moths. This plant attracts monarch (Danaus plexippus), swallowtail (Papilio spp) and painted lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui), as well as honey bees, bumble bees, mining and leafcutter bees. Night-flying moths also visit anise hyssop. Keep the seed heads in the garden over the winter to supply food for birds such as the American goldfinch (Spinus tristis).
Anise hyssop is an attractive plant to use for naturalizing large areas because it reseeds and also grows from underground rhizomes. It can be companion planted with scarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma), yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). These plants all have similar growing conditions to hyssop and create a pollinator buffet that enhances the beauty and diversity of your garden.
There is an array of artistic and culinary uses for anise hyssop. When flowering, anise hyssop can be an attractive addition to a cut flower arrangement. The tall spikes are also used in dried flower arrangements. The dried leaves of the hyssop plant are very fragrant and can be used to make potpourri.
Anise hyssop’s flowers and leaves can be used as seasonings in foods and made into teas. Native Americans used anise hyssop as a medicinal plant to treat coughs, fevers and skin irritations. Recipes on using anise hyssop in foods, jellies, teas and health-supporting preparations can be found in reputable books and websites.
Anise hyssop is an outstanding addition to any pollinator garden. To learn more about anise hyssop, visit Penn State Extension (extension.psu.edu/anise-hyssop-for-the-perennial-garden). Contact the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Butler County’s Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, Ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu with any questions about anise hyssop and pollinator-friendly garden plants.
Diane Walczak is a Penn State Extension Butler County Master Gardner.
