September Plant of the Month: Anise Hyssop

Agastache foeniculum

Anise hyssop is neither an anise nor a hyssop. Agastache foeniculum, a member of the mint family, is considered a short-lived perennial that reseeds itself. Its common name comes from the medicinal qualities of this native plant. Early Americans found that anise hyssop had expectorant and antibacterial properties, making it useful in treating colds and flu as a tea, and wounds and burns as a salve. The leaves are slightly sweet with a mild licorice taste. Sporting spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers, these two-to-four-foot erect plants attract pollinator insects.

- Mobile County Master Gardener Carol Dorsey

Anise hyssop by Carol Dorsey