🔎Agastache foeniculum
Grow zone 4-9
Non-invasive. Will not spread by underground rhizome.
Contrary to its common name, Anise Hyssop is neither anise (Pimpinella anisum) or hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis). It is actually a member of the mint family similar to basil, thyme, rosemary, and lavender.
As Food
Flowers are edible and make a nice addition to salads, or baked goods. The leaves give off a subtle scent similar to anise though some compare it more to basil or French tarragon (aka the “licorice” smell). The leaves maintain their scent well when dried and can also be used to infuse tea or potpourri.
In the Garden
Agastache foeniculum grows 2-4 feet tall and is very attractive to bees, humming birds and butterflies. It’s best to plant after the last frost in early summer. Although not a true perennial, it will volunteer reseed itself effectively earning it the title perennial.
The Apothecary
Anise hyssop has been used by North American First Nations people as a breath-freshener, in tea and as a sweetener. An infusion of the herb was used for chest pains, and the roots were used for coughs. It is used in Chinese prescriptions for heatstroke, headache, fever, and angina. Infused in tea, anise hyssop can be used to relieve congestion, clearing mucus from lungs and airways (expectorant). A cold-infusion can be used to relieve chest pains caused by excessive coughing, and mixed with licorice, it can be used to treat respiratory infections and bronchitis.