Anise Hyssop is a vigorous native herbaceous perennial with anise-scented foliage and flowers that provide a months-long feast for pollinators between June and September. The flowers are lavender to pink, arranged in spiraling verticillasters (false whorls) and never without some insect visitors, especially native bees. Anise Hyssop prefers poor soils that are average to dry and needs full sun to look its best. Like other species in the mint family (Lamiaceae), it spreads easily by underground rhizomes as well as producing large amounts of seed. This is a great plant for feeding pollinators on poor sites with little maintenance. Their aggressive growth and seeding can make them a thug in the manicured garden, but in a mixed meadow or along a roadside, they are an asset. Deer and other mammals avoid the strongly scented foliage, while many humans choose to use the leaves for a delightful anise-flavored tea.
Sources:
Herbaceous Perennial Plants by Allan M. Armitage
Growing and Propagating Wildflowers by William Cullina
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Illinois Wildflowers
