If you’re looking for a lovely, easy-to-grow, pollinator-friendly plant for your garden, this might be the one for you. Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is an upper Midwest native, hardy in Zones 4 to 8. It is named for its aromatic leaves, not because it is related to the herb hyssop or anise, a member of the carrot family. It is a member of the mint family. But don’t worry — it does not spread like a traditional mint.

The 2-to-4-foot-tall plants bloom from July through autumn with 3-to-6-inch spikes covered in tiny, unscented, two-lipped tubular, blue-purple to lavender flowers. Dead heading produces additional bloom later in the season — more bang for your buck. The height makes it perfect for the middle or back of the border.

The foliage is attractive, with toothed leaves opposite on the square stem typical of plants in the mint family. Leaves are a dull green with a whitish underside. The leaves on new growth have a purplish color making volunteer seedlings easy to recognize.

Anise hyssop is easy to grow. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Good drainage is a must, and soggy soil can cause root rot. It is drought-

tolerant once established.

The best way to grow is from seed. Seeds will germinate after exposure to cold, moist conditions so scatter seeds on top of prepared soil in fall and lightly press down. They need light to germinate so do not cover. Keep the soil moist, and seedlings will appear in the spring. This plant reseeds readily, but undesirable seedlings can easily be pulled.

Anise hyssop supports a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, beetles and the occasional hummingbird. I have had a few plants in my garden for years, but it was when I volunteered at the Salem pollinator garden that it became obvious to me what a favorite anise hyssop is.

In the garden, anise hyssop combines well with other natives including black-eyed Susan, bee balm, Joe Pye weed, coneflower, globe thistle and ornamental grasses. Allow the seed heads to remain until spring for winter interest and shelter for insects.

To read about attracting pollinators to the garden, go to: http://go.osu.edu/attraction.

Steffen is an Ohio State University Mahoning County Extension Master Gardener volunteer.