Anise Hyssop

Other names

Blue Giant Hyssop, Fennel Giant Hyssop, Fragrant Giant Hyssop

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Short-lived perennial

Native distribution

Not Native to the Finger Lakes Region, North-Central North America

Biocultural value

Sweet anise-flavored flowers can be added to salad mixes or fruit salads. Leaves add an anise flavor to herbal and China teas.

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Pinetree Garden Seeds, Homestead Division of Sunnybrook Farms Nursery, Baker's Acres, Richters

Description

Perennial with little-branched stems reaching 50-80 cm in height; leaves 5-8cm long, anise-scented, ovate or deltoid-ovate, serrate, densely puberulent beneath, white or glaucous; flowers held in 4-8cm long, pubescent, compact spikes, the bracts ovate, often violet, the calyx violet, the corolla blue or white, 6-8mm long.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

fragrance, flowering season, food

Status

GNR