Anise Hyssop

Monarch on Anise Hyssop

If you are looking for a fast growing colorful plant to attract pollinators and that has multiple uses, then consider Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum). It is a native plant of North and Central America which became popular with colonists as a bee plant which result in honey with an anise flavor. You only need to purchase one plant as it readily reseeds itself - almost too prolifically. This can be a problem is you are not diligent and pull up unwanted strays. I have found that once established it is carefree and just needs a sunny or partly sunny location.

This large clump of Anise Hyssop self-seeded itself in the vegetable garden from another plant several yards away. You can see several smaller clumps starting as well.

This plant attracts multiple pollinators and it is not uncommon to see numerous bees and butterflies sipping the nectar of the flowers. I was so happy to see the monarch above land on the flower the weekend before last. It is nice to know that our yard is becoming a habitat for these butterflies with the milkweed being used as food for the larvae and other flowering plants in the garden attracting the adults. I am not sure exactly when the monarchs will begin migrating South, but I imagine they need plenty of fuel to travel the over 2,000 miles to Mexico.

Native American also used Anise hyssop as a medicnal herb. The leaves have antibacterial properties and when taken as a tea it can relieve congestion. The purple flowers are a nice addition to cut flower arrangements and last a long time in a vase of water. As a culinary plant, the leaves can be used in vinegar for salads, as a cordial when steeped with alcohol, or candied for dessert. The flowers can also be eaten fresh and are used in salads and drinks.  Some describe the flavor as a combination of licorice, tarragon and basil.

I have only used the plant as an ornamental, but am looking forward to tasting the leaves and flowers when they are fresh earlier in the season.