Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

Photo by Gayla Trail  All Rights Reserved

I’ve been growing a crop of anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) in a planter on my roof garden for several years now. It’s hardy enough to survive the extreme heat, wind, drought, and cold on the roof. Unfortunately, it’s also an aggressive self-seeder, which means its progeny pops up in every nook and cranny in the spring, continuing to produce new seedlings throughout the growing season.

I’ve wasted hours of my life so-far weeding out the babies but I’d grow it again despite the hassles. The flowers attract all manner of pollinators and beneficial insects to the roof, the birds like the seeds, and I like the flowers in tea. Sometimes it’s just nice to run my hands over the leaves and flowers for the smell, which is a mix of licorice or anise and mint with a hint of fruitiness.

Gayla Trail
Gayla is a writer, photographer, and former graphic designer with a background in the Fine Arts, cultural criticism, and ecology. She is the author, photographer, and designer of best-selling books on gardening, cooking, and preserving.

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2 thoughts on “Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

  1. I adore this photograph! While admiring it from my office it’s reminding me to slow down and see the beauty between the buildings. I also really love the limited depth of field in this one…

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