Anise Hyssop
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
The Anise Hyssop belongs to the mint family, scientifically known as Lamiaceae, which includes many aromatic herbs such as basil, mint, and lavender.
The Anise Hyssop is a perennial herbaceous plant; it grows between 2-4 feet. It has an upright, clumpy-like shape with lavender or blue flowers that typically bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The leaves are oval-shaped with toothed edges and have a white tint underneath.
The leaves taste like a mild licorice or an anise flavor, which is why it's compared to anise star plant or licorice. Some might say that the taste is a mix between mint and anise. The smell is also mild; it has a smell of mint and earth. This combination of flavors and smell makes the plant really versatile in various uses, from drinks to food.
Anise Hyssop looks a lot like lavender, so the plant is really beautiful, and it makes a great addition to a garden, but it also attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
For those reasons, the Anise Hyssop makes gardeners and nature enthusiasts love this plant.