Agastache foeniculum

'Anise Hyssop'

Lamiaceae: an upright, deciduous perennial forming a clump of leafy stems. Found on dry thickets, fields and waste ground, prairies and plains. The flower spikes are short, with broadly ovate bracts, and are a strong violet blue. Blooming from around July. The leaves are highly aromatic with a distinct aniseed scent and have white undersides. Native to Western North America, from Ontario to Washington, south to Colorado.

USES:

The leaves are used fresh or dry as a tea or seasoning, especially by the Indians.

The leaves have cardiac and diaphoretic properties. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of colds, fevers, and for a weak heart. When left to go cold, the infusion is used to treat pains in the chest (such as when the lungs are sore from too much coughing). A poultice of leaves and stems can be used to treat burns.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Germinates best with GA3 [Gibberellic acid]. Year-old seed germinates in 1 - 3 weeks. Can also be germinated in 1 - 3 months at 13°C. Prefers a sunny position and a dry well-drained soil. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°C. In my experience this is not very hardy here in the north east of England, and I often lose them over the winter. The flowers produce abundant nectar and it is an excellent honey plant. Birds like the seed.

The flowering plants are very attractive to bees and butterflies

HARVESTED:

 

APPROX. SEEDS