Identification and Characteristics of Anise Hyssop. A herbaceous perennial, Anise Hyssop is 24-36″ tall (60-90 cm) and forms clumps of flowering stalks. For a similar plant that is larger, look to it’s cousin, Purple Giant Hyssop!
What is the difference between anise and anise hyssop?
Despite these names, anise hyssop is neither anise (Pimpinella anisum) nor hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis). Although, like hyssop, it is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Anise hyssop is a perennial plant in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4-8. It prefers well-drained soil in part sun to full sun.
What does anise hyssop look like?
The triangular green leaves at the base of the flower resemble those of mint or catnip, and the color of the blooms is a vivid purple, though Anise Hyssop can also crop up in shades of blue, white or pink.
Are hyssop and anise the same?
Anise hyssop is in the same family as hyssop (the mint family Lamiaceae), but they are not closely related. Hyssop (Hyssopus) is a genus of about 10–12 species of herbaceous or semi-woody plants native from the east Mediterranean to central Asia.
Is all anise hyssop edible?
Both the flowers and leaves of Anise-Hyssop are edible. The leaves have a pleasant mild licorice/anise flavor while the flowers add a hint of floral sweetness. Harvested fresh, leaves can be added to summer pasta dishes or cold vegetable soups.
Should I pinch anise hyssop?
Pruning anise hyssop will enhance its appearance, force new compact growth, and may increase blooms if deadheaded.
Should I cut back anise hyssop?
Pruning. Anise Hyssop is a fairly independent plant and won’t need much attention once it has established itself in your landscape. Occasional pruning can help encourage the plant to bloom and keep the plant looking its best. Pruning is best done in early spring, using a pair of clean pruning shears.
What part of anise hyssop is used for tea?
Leaves
Anise hyssop has a long history of use. Leaves can be used as a seasoning, dried for use in tea, used fresh in salads, or made into jellies. As leaves maintain their scent well when dried, anise hyssop can also be used in potpourri.
What is anise hyssop good for?
Native Americans use anise hyssop as a herbal medicine ingredient. Tea made from this herb is believed to be especially effective in curing cough, cold, fever, and diarrhea as well as maintaining digestive health.
What are the different types of hyssop?
Types of Hyssop Plants
- Agastache ‘Black Adder’ (Giant Hyssop)
- Agastache ‘Blue Boa’ (Anise Hyssop)
- Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ (Giant Hyssop)
- Agastache ‘Kudos Ambrosia’ (Hummingbird Mint)
- Agastache ‘Kudos Coral’ (Hummingbird Mint)
- Agastache ‘Kudos Mandarin’ (Hummingbird Mint)
What was hyssop in the Bible?
In the Old Testament hyssop was used to sprinkle blood as part of the Jewish Passover. Hyssop was mentioned in the Bible for its cleansing effect in connection with plague, leprosy and chest ailments and symbolically in cleansing the soul.
What does the plant hyssop look like?
Hyssop is a small perennial plant about 0.5 metre (1.5 feet) high with slim woody quadrangular stems. The dotted narrow elliptical leaves are about 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 inches) long and grow in pairs on the stem.
What do hyssop look like?
Hyssop is a small woody shrub with narrow leaves. A member of the mint family, it has opposite leaves and is very aromatic. It likes sun and can handle dry conditions. Hyssop looks beautiful with white, yellow, red and orange flowers, as well as silvery plants.
Is anise hyssop toxic to dogs?
Is Anise Toxic to Dogs? Anise is safe for dogs in small quantities.
Where does anise hyssop grow?
Native to prairies, dry upland forested areas, plains and fields in the upper Midwest and Great Plains into Canada (from northern Colorado to Wisconsin and in Canada from Ontario west to British Columbia), this plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae) is hardy in zones 3 to 8. Anise hyssop has an upright form.
What do you do with fresh hyssop?
Both the flowers and leaves are edible, and if you can score fresh hyssop at a garden or farmers market, you can use them like other fresh delicate herbs in salads, pastas, and summer soups. The flowers can be used for garnishes. But you’re more likely to find hyssop in dried form.
Does anise hyssop come back every year?
Anise Hyssop blooms in the second year. If you cut it back by 1/3 after bloom, the plant will bush out and bloom again. It easily self seeds.
Does hyssop come back every year?
Agastache (aka Anise Hyssop) is a tender perennial with aromatic leaves and colorful flower spikes all summer long. While traditional varieties have blue or purple colored flowers, newer varieties feature bold colors such as red and orange. In warm climates, it comes back consistently each year.
Does anise hyssop attract bees?
Anise Hyssop (Agastache Foeniculum)
Not only is anise hyssop rich in nectar, but it also blooms for weeks and keeps several species of bees busy feeding. The honey from bees that forage on anise hyssop is very sweet.
Is anise hyssop invasive?
Anise Hyssop is not invasive, but will spread by self-seeding locally. I’ve been growing Anise Hyssop for several years. I’ve had my plants expand in size and self-seed, but I’ve not had them spread via rhizomes.
How do you winterize anise hyssop?
Adding a protective layer of organic mulch during the winter also helps a hyssop plant survive the cold, but if the ground in your area freezes during winter, wait until several frosts have occurred.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.