Agastache: One Plant, Many Uses

Few plants pull off such a strange, delightful trick: depending on the variety, Agastache can smell like black licorice, root beer, or a mix of mint and citrus (sometimes all from a single leaf!) Known by names like hyssop, hummingbird mint, and giant hyssop, this fragrant member of the mint family is a genuine triple threat, equally in the garden bed, the teapot, and the herbal medicine chest.

A POLLINATOR MAGNET 

Agastache is best known among gardeners for the sheer volume of pollinators it attracts. Its tubular flowers are practically designed for hummingbirds, though bees and butterflies flock to it just as eagerly. Planting a few clumps near a patio or window is one of the easiest ways to turn your yard into a steady stream of hummingbird visits all summer long.

It's also a fantastic choice for xeriscaping (a landscaping approach designed to minimize or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation). Many species, especially those native to the American Southwest, are remarkably drought-tolerant once established, making agastache a low-water option for gardeners looking to cut back on irrigation without sacrificing color.

Because it draws in so many pollinators, agastache is often planted alongside vegetables and fruit trees to boost pollination rates. It also tends to attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests, making it a useful, low-maintenance companion plant in a vegetable garden.

CULINARY USES

The leaves and flowers of certain agastache species, particularly anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), are edible and bring a sweet, licorice-like flavor to the table. Here's how people use it in the kitchen:

• Teas and infusions: Steep fresh or dried leaves for a naturally sweet, aromatic tea.

• Salads and garnishes: The edible flowers add a pop of color and a mild anise flavor to salads and desserts.

• Baking: Chopped leaves can be folded into muffins, cookies, or fruit crisps for a subtle licorice note.

• Infused syrups and cocktails: Agastache-infused simple syrup is a popular way to bring its flavor into lemonades, cocktails, and mocktails.

• Herbal butter and honey: Steeping the leaves in butter or honey is an easy way to capture the flavor for everyday cooking.

TRADITIONAL & HERBAL MEDICINE USES

Different species of agastache have a long history in traditional medicine. Korean mint (Agastache rugosa), for instance, has been used in East Asian herbal traditions for digestive support and to ease colds. Common traditional uses include:

• Brewed as a tea to soothe upset stomachs or mild nausea
• Used to help calm coughs and congestion
• Applied in folk remedies for minor fevers
• Some species are distilled for essential oil, used in aromatherapy for calming/herbaceous scent
• Dried leaves and flowers can be used for potpourri and sachets

As with any herbal remedy, it's worth checking with a healthcare provider before using agastache medicinally, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications.