Agastache foeniculum
Anise Hyssop
General
A perennial herb native to North America renowned for its aromatic, licorice-scented foliage and spikes of tubular, lavender-blue flowers. It thrives in sunny, well-drained garden beds and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Plant Description
Features tall, upright spikes adorned with clusters of small, tubular lavender-blue flowers. Its aromatic, toothed leaves are lance-shaped and have a distinctive anise scent. The plant forms a bushy, bush-like mound, with its flowering spikes reaching heights of up to 3 feet.
Height (ft)
1-3'
Soil moisture
Moist to well drained
Soil types
Sandy or loamy
Wetland indicator
FACU/UPL
Shade tolerance
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Bloom color
Lavender-blue
Bloom period
Mid-summer to early fall
Drought tolerance
Moderate to High
Salinity tolerance
Low to none
Range
Most of southern Canada and northern half of United States. Including New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and more.
Additional Information
According to the Native American Ethnobotany Database, this species has been used by many tribes medicinally. The Cheyenne used an infusion of the leaves to treat chest pains from coughing, as a cold medicine, to treat a weak heart and powdered leaves as a body rub for high fevers. The Chippewa used an infusion of the roots to treat chest pain from coughing, a poultice of the leaves/stalks to treat burns and as a charm for protection. The Cree used an infusion of the stem and leaves mixed with other plants to treat coughing and to improve flavor of other teas. The Dakota, Lakota, Omaha, Pawnee, Ponca and Winnebago used this plant to make teas and as a sweetener.