Overview
Scientific name: Agastache foeniculum
Common names: Anise hyssop, giant hyssop, blue giant hyssop
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Native range: Upper Midwest and Great Plains (Minnesota to Wisconsin and south into Iowa; more widely used in prairie restorations).
Habitat: Mesic to dry prairies, open woodlands, savannas, and meadow edges.
Plant description:
Perennial herb; 2–4 feet tall.
Square stems, opposite leaves with anise/licorice scent when crushed.
Flower spikes of purple to lavender tubular flowers.
Bloom time: Mid- to late summer (June–September).
Ecological Role
1. Nectar Powerhouse
Produces abundant nectar for a wide range of pollinators.
Nectar is high in sugar concentration and continuously replenished, making it one of the most visited native mints for insects.
2. Pollinator Support Across Guilds
Supports bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, and hummingbirds.
Functions as a magnet species, drawing pollinators that also visit other nearby native plants.
3. Seed Source for Birds
Dried seed heads provide winter food for finches (e.g., American goldfinch) and sparrows.
4. Aromatic Defense
Strongly aromatic leaves deter deer and rabbits, allowing it to thrive without heavy browsing.
5. Soil and Habitat Contribution
Deep root system enhances soil structure and drought tolerance.
Contributes to prairie habitat complexity and supports insect diversity.
Wildlife Supported
Pollinators
Bees (primary visitors):
Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) – especially mid to late summer queens and workers.
Leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.)
Sweat bees (Halictus, Lasioglossum spp.)
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) (non-native but frequent visitor).
Butterflies & Skippers:
Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Painted lady (Vanessa cardui)
Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
Moths:
Sphinx moths (hawkmoths) at dusk.
Hummingbirds:
Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) frequently visits tubular flowers.
Birds
American goldfinch and other seed-eating birds feed on dried seed heads in fall and winter.
Indirectly supports insectivorous birds by boosting insect populations.
Beneficial Insects
Predatory and parasitic wasps (e.g., Sphex ichneumoneus, Scolia dubia, Tachysphex spp.) use nectar as fuel while hunting pests like caterpillars and beetle larvae.
Planting and Habitat Notes
Sunlight: Full sun to light shade (best flowering in full sun).
Soil: Prefers well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay-loam.
Moisture: Medium to dry; drought tolerant once established.
Maintenance:
Cut back in spring to allow seeds to feed winter birds.
Self-seeds moderately but not aggressively; forms tidy clumps.
Deadhead for extended bloom if ornamental value is desired.
Companion Plants
Pair with other mid-summer prairie species:
Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower)
Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot)
Liatris spp. (blazing star)
Solidago spp. (goldenrods)
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (aromatic aster)
Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem grass) for structure and winter interest.
Ecological Significance
Nectar hotspot: Among the top native perennials for bee diversity.
Bridges nectar gap: Blooms during summer when other early-spring and late-fall resources are scarce.
Supports multiple trophic levels: Provides nectar, seed, and insect habitat.
Restoration value: Essential in prairie reconstructions for pollinator diversity and drought resilience.
Key Takeaways
Agastache foeniculum is one of the best all-around native pollinator plants in the Midwest/Great Plains.
Supports bees (esp. bumble bees), butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial wasps.
Provides nectar mid-to-late summer and seed for birds in winter.
Aromatic, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, making it highly versatile in gardens and restorations.