Agastache foeniculum
Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds can’t stay away from anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum). Its bright lavender-blue flowers and nectar attract many beneficial insects. Wherever anise hyssop is grown, the pollinators come. Every plant nearby benefits as well. And for us, just watching and hearing the pollinators is a treat.
Native to most of North America, this easy-to-grow perennial reaches a height and width of more than a meter (3 ft). By midsummer, erect terminal flower spikes begin to form and continue blooming through fall. Anise hyssop is not a fussy plant. It is best in full or part sun and is drought-resistant once established. The only thing it dislikes is overly moist soil.
A mint family member, anise hyssop has leaves with toothed margins and stems that are square. Its aromatic leaves have a licorice-like (anise) scent and are used in herbal teas. The best time to harvest foliage for drying is when the flowers are just past full bloom. This is when the oil content in the leaves is the highest.
Anise hyssop is considered one of the premier plants for feeding pollinators. Its abundant nectar, long blooming season, and fragrant flowers and foliage keep the pollinators coming. For First Nations in North America, this plant is a symbol of resilience and adaptation. It has the ability to thrive in difficult conditions.
Text and photos by Hughie Jones. The photos were taken in bed 41D (near the Fragrance Garden) and in the Bird Garden in August 2025.