What is Agastache in English?
Agastache foeniculum (syn. Agastache anethiodora (Nutt. Britton), commonly called anise hyssop, blue giant hyssop, Fragrant giant hyssop, or the lavender giant hyssop, is a species of perennial plant in the mint family. The plant is native to much of northern North America. Agastache, also known as Hyssop, is a versatile perennial plant prized for its aromatic foliage and stunning flowers, attracting pollinators with its vibrant colors and abundant nectar.Agastache foeniculum, commonly known as anise hyssop, is an upright, clump-forming perennial of the mint family that is native to parts of the upper Midwest and Great Plains (Wisconsin to Ontario west to British Columbia and south to Colorado).There are two types of hyssop plant used to make tea: Hyssop officinalis and Agastache foeniculum, also known by the common name anise hyssop. The hyssop plant is a member of the mint family and the leaves offer an intense minty aroma.
Does Agastache smell?
Agastache likes full sun and excellent drainage. You can also mulch around them with a fine gravel, the gravel will release a little extra heat at night for these sun-lovers. All species are highly aromatic; some smell like anise or root beer, some like are sweet with a hint of lavender and some smell like bubblegum! The most popular Agastache is anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum). The true species has purple flowers. It stands 3 feet tall with an upright growth habit and spiky flowers. The purple, fuzzy flowers and leaves have a mint and licorice scent and flavor making them favorites for teas.
Can you eat Agastache?
The aromatic leaves have a licorice-like (anise) scent and are used in herbal teas, to flavor jellies or eaten fresh in small quantities, such as in a salad with other greens. The dried leaves can be used in potpourri. The plant was used medicinally by Native Americans. Individual parts of the plant are used for different purposes but leaves are the most useful ones. Indeed, the leaves of hyssop can be used in herbal tea or added fresh in small quantities to a salad with other greens. The dried leaves can be used for medicinal purposes to treat coughs, fevers, wounds, and diarrhea.