Anise hyssop is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to the Midwest and Great Plains where it grows in prairies, plain, fields, and dry upland forests. It is a member of the mint family, Labiatae, that also includes oregano, deadnettle, and bugleweed (Ajuga). The scented leaves grow on square stems and are up to four inches long. They are dull green and have toothed margins . The tiny violet-blue flowers are densely packed into terminal spikes three to six inches long. They appear in mid to late summer over a long bloom time. Each tubular flower is two-lipped, 1/3 inch long, and is nectar rich, attracting bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, including the Red Admiral and Painted lady. A. ‘Blue Fortune’ is especially appealing to bees and butterflies. The decorative seedheads are persistent and attractive to small seeding-eating birds such as goldfinches so delay cutting the faded flowers until spring.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Size: 2-5’ H x 1-3’ W
Light: Sun; tolerates part shade
Soil: Average, dry to medium, well-drained; tolerates drought
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Beneficial Insects Attracted: Bees, butterflies especially Red Admiral and Painted Lady