Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Agastache foeniculum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in raw or cooked dishes. — Leaves and flowers - raw or cooked.; They are used as a flavouring in raw or cooked dishes.; Excellent raw, they have a sweet aniseed flavour and are one of our favourite flavourings in salads.; They make a delicious addition to the salad bowl and can also be used to flavour cooked foods, especially acid fruits.The only drawback to the leaves is that they tend to have a drying effect in the mouth and so cannot be eaten in quantity.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry thickets, fields and waste ground on prairies and plains. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)