This native 2-4 foot tall perennial has square stems and opposite, ovate, toothed leaves up to 3 1/2 inches long and 2 inches wide, which give off an anise-like scent when crushed (A). Blue to violet, tubular, 2-lipped flowers occur in 2-3 inch clusters (spikes) on the upper stems (B).
Grows in woodlands or moist open sites, flowering from June through September. This plant, introduced from seed used in the Nebraska prairie restoration, is south of its usual range which extends into northern Nebraska. At Neale Woods, it is uncommon in Nebraska Prairie.
Dense spikes of blue to violet flowers and anise-scented leaves separate this plant from Giant Hyssop (Agastache nepetoides) which has spikes of widely spaced white to yellow flowers.
Native Americans used the leaves for tea and as a flavoring agent in cooking. It was widely planted by beekeepers for the good honey it produced. Other common names include Anise Hyssop and Blue Giant Hyssop.
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