Anise hyssop Agastache foeniculum
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to North American prairies. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Anise hyssop at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves and flowers (liquorice-scented tea, salads) |
| Native to | North American prairies |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Anise hyssop toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Anise hyssop
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Anise hyssop
- How far apart should I plant Anise hyssop?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Anise hyssop need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Anise hyssop need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Anise hyssop?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Anise hyssop flower?
- From about July for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Anise hyssop poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Anise hyssop?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Anise hyssop. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- VASCAN: Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, Canadensys / Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
Notes and assumptions
- One of the best bee plants: lavender spikes for months. Short-lived but self-seeds.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare