Description
- Botanical Name: Agastache foeniculum
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae (Mint)
- Form: Herb
- Lifecycle: Herbaceous perennial
- Use 1. Culinary: The leaves have a distinct anise flavour and can be used raw in both green and fruit salads, adding a wonderful taste and aroma.
- Use 2. Medicinal: An infusion of the leaves can be used to treat colds and fevers, and to ease a sore chest. The leaves and stems can also be made into a poultice to treat burns.
- Use 3. Tea: The leaves make a very refreshing anise flavoured brew.
- Use 4. Bee Attractor: One of the best herbs for attracting bees, with its spikes of purple long-blooming flowers which provide copious nectar.
- Use 5. Dried Flowers: The flowers retain their colour and fragrance when dried.
- Growing Conditions: Prefers lighter, well drained soil in full sun but is tolerant of both wet and dry, and partial shade.
- Height x width: 90cm when in flower x 30cm
- Hardiness: Hardy to -6
- Flowering time: Mid summer – mid autumn
- Pollination: Self-fertile
- Biodiversity value: Very attractive to bees and butterflies
- Native to: North America
- Food Forest Fit: Herbaceous layer. Excellent companion plant.
- Fun Fact: The 1969 edition of the Rodale’s Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening claims that one acre planted in anise hyssop can support 100 honeybee hives.
- Pot size: 9cm
