GIANT HYSSOP

GIANT HYSSOP

Agastache nepetoides
MINT FAMILY (Lamiaceae)

Identification

  • Flowering time - August, September
  • Uncommon in woodlands at FF and NW
  • Tall plant with stout, square stem
  • Long spikes bearing small, tubular pale yellow flowers
  • Opposite, toothed, heart-shaped leaves
Click on each photo thumbnail to enlarge.

This native perennial grows up to 6 feet and taller. The stems are square (C). The coarsely toothed, opposite leaves are heart-shaped with medium stalks (A). The pale yellow, tubular flowers with 4 protruding stamens and a single forked style are crowded on erect spikes up to 5 inches long (B). The dried plants often remain standing throughout the winter.

Found in woodlands and along roadsides, flowering in August and September. It is uncommon in upland and lowland woods at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.

Native Americans used the leaves in a compound used to treat poison ivy rash. The leaves were also brewed to make a tea-like hot drink.

The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.