ExplorePlants

anise hyssop

Agastache foeniculum

Anise hyssop is a lovely plant with tall spikes of purple flowers. It has a sweet, anise-like smell that many insects love! This plant can brighten up gardens and attract butterflies.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The anise hyssop has an upright, bushy habit with square stems and textured, green leaves that resemble mint. Its showy flowers appear in dense, spike-like clusters of vibrant purple-blue, making it visually distinct.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyLamiaceaeGenusAgastache
anise hyssop
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
anise hyssop

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Honeybees adore its flowers, helping them create delicious, unique honey!

It's a mint family member, but its leaves famously smell like licorice!

Native Americans used it for centuries in teas, medicines, and as flavoring.

This amazing plant grows well in sun or partial shade, making it adaptable!

Special abilities

Ability

Scent Shield

Anise hyssop has leaves that release a strong licorice scent, which helps it deter some herbivores from eating its foliage.

Ability

Nectar Magnet

Its abundant, long-lasting flowers produce a sweet nectar that helps it attract a wide variety of bees and butterflies.

Ability

Tough Thriver

Anise hyssop can thrive in many soil types and tolerate drought, helping it survive in diverse environments.

Measurements & details

Height
60-150 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1.5 cm
Bloom Season
Summer to fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Anise MintLicorice Mint

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before touching or tasting any plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is anise hyssop?

60-150 cm

How wide does anise hyssop spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on anise hyssop?

0.5-1.5 cm

When does anise hyssop bloom?

Summer to fall

Is anise hyssop edible?

Yes

Is anise hyssop toxic?

None

What is anise hyssop's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is anise hyssop pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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