Agastache foeniculum. Lamiaceae. Anise Hyssop is a fragrant, pollinator magnet in the mint family, Lamiaceae. This perennial stands at 2-4 ft tall. Flowers are blue/purple and bloom from July-August.
Grows in sun, part shade, or shade. Prefers moist, sandy, well drained soils & is drought tolerant.
Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and has special value for native bees. Self-seeds easily & may spread by rhizomes. Deer & rabbit resistant. Found in semi-shaded, dry, open areas & roadsides.
Agastache has edible leaves & flowers. Leaves can be dried & used as a tea or in other recipes. Flowers can be added raw to salads or desserts.
Traditionally, the leaves were used as a tea to treat a variety of issues. A cold tea was made to treat congestion & respiratory illnesses, while a hot tea was made to induce sweating & treat fevers. Agastache has been shown to have antiviral properties & may even be useful as a rub for poison ivy. It has been noted that Native Americans burned Agastache as an incense because it is thought to lift people's moods.
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