Native Range & Habitat
Agastache foeniculum is native to north-central and northern North America, particularly the Great Plains and prairies extending into parts of Canada.
In the Midwest and regions like Illinois, it thrives in mesic to dry soils, full sun, and open habitats.
Ecological Value
Exceptionally attractive to pollinators; historically planted in mass for honey production—one acre can support up to 100 honeybee hives.
The flowers provide nectar and pollen for a wide diversity of insects, including bumble bees, honey bees, carpenter bees, butterflies, skippers, hummingbirds, moths, beetles, and syrphid flies.
It offers a long bloom period (June to September or into fall), making it a critical resource across the growing season.
Resistant to deer, rabbits, and drought—a reliable, low-maintenance choice for wildlife gardens.
Native Pollinators & Insect Visitors
Bees: Bumble bees, honey bees, carpenter bees, sweat bees, long-tongued bees, native bees.
Butterflies & Skippers: Attracted for nectar—species like fritillaries and monarchs may visit.
Hummingbirds: Drawn to the tall spires of tubular blossoms.
Other beneficial insects: Syrphid (hover) flies, beetles, and wasps also forage on blooms, aiding pollination and pest control.
Host Plant for Other Insects
While Agastache foeniculum isn't widely noted as a host plant, it nonetheless supports essential pollinator life cycles and seed-eating songbirds (e.g., goldfinches) feed on its seed heads in winter.
No specific Lepidoptera are documented as larval hosts, though its role in the food web—as nectar source, habitat structure, and winter cover—contributes significantly to overall ecological support.
Growing Agastache foeniculum from Seed to Flowering
Propagation & Germination
Needs cold stratification—either sow in the fall, or refrigerate seeds for several weeks before spring sowing.
Seeds germinate in 14–21 days under favorable conditions.
Sow on the soil surface or lightly cover—the seeds require light to germinate.
Planting & Site Conditions
Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil; tolerates lean, dry or sandy loams.
Plant spacing: 12–36 inches apart; mature height is about 2–4 feet, with 1–3 foot spread.
Maintenance
Low-maintenance: drought tolerant once established, deer/rabbit resistant.
Watch for root rot, powdery mildew, or leaf spots in poorly drained soils.
Deadhead to encourage prolonged blooms; alternatively, leave seed heads for wildlife.
Can be propagated by division in spring or fall; self-seeds readily but is not overly aggressive.