Anise Hyssop is a tough-as-nails native perennial that generously produces light-blue, dense, bottle-brush verticillaster (wow, what a word!) minarets that will delight pollinators and people. The leaves are often oblong or even heart-shaped with scalloped edges and a sweet, anise scent when crushed (sources say: great for jellies, teas, & potpourris). Additional winning characteristics of this perennial include its deer resistance and spreading habit.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; dry to medium soils
Size: 2' - 3' tall; 1.5' - 2' wide
Zone: 4 - 8
Wildlife Value: Flowers are a pollen and nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies
Photos: Samantha Nestory