Anise Hyssop, scientifically known as Agastache foeniculum, is a versatile herb belonging to the mint family that is valued for its strong licorice-like scent and flavor. This North American native plant is popular in gardens because its nectar-rich purple flower spikes attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The leaves and flowers are used culinarily to flavor teas and baked goods, making it a desirable purchase for both gardeners and herbalists. This guide details the various forms in which Anise Hyssop is available and outlines the best places to source each product.
Understanding the Forms Available for Purchase
Anise Hyssop can be found in three primary forms, each catering to a different intended use. The first form is seeds, which are the most common and economical way to acquire the plant for cultivation, allowing gardeners to start their plants from scratch. Starting from seed is especially useful for planting large areas or for specific varieties that may not be available as mature plants.
The second form is live plants, often sold as “starts” or small potted specimens from nurseries, which offer a shortcut to garden establishment. These live plants provide an immediate presence in the garden and reduce the time until the first harvest or bloom.
The final product form is the dried herb, which consists of the harvested leaves and flowers that have been processed for immediate use in teas, cooking, or herbal preparations. This dried material is intended for consumption and is purchased by those who do not wish to grow the plant themselves or need a year-round supply.
Sourcing Anise Hyssop for Cultivation (Seeds and Live Plants)
Sourcing materials for cultivation begins with seeds, which are readily available from specialized seed banks and established online retailers. Reputable seed companies often carry the standard Agastache foeniculum species, but also sometimes offer cultivars like ‘Blue Fortune’ that are prized for their consistent flower color and vigorous growth habit. When buying seeds, look for suppliers who specify non-GMO or organic certification, and note that the seeds often require cold stratification for optimal germination rates.
For live plants, local garden centers and nurseries are excellent places to check first, as they often stock specimens adapted to the regional climate. Native plant suppliers are a good resource, as Anise Hyssop is native to much of North America, and these vendors focus on locally adapted stock. Mail-order plant nurseries also ship live starts directly to your home, making them convenient for gardeners seeking a specific cultivar or a quick planting solution.
When purchasing live starts online, review the nursery’s shipping practices to ensure the plants arrive with healthy root systems and minimal stress from transit. An established plant eliminates the waiting period associated with growing from seeds, providing a more immediate garden benefit. The material purchased for planting should be visibly healthy, with vibrant foliage and no signs of pests or disease.
Finding Dried Anise Hyssop and Herbal Products
The dried herb form of Anise Hyssop is primarily found in locations catering to culinary and medicinal uses. Health food stores, specialty spice shops, and bulk herb suppliers are reliable local sources for the dried leaves and flowers. These establishments often sell the herb by weight, allowing for the purchase of small or large quantities suitable for making herbal teas or incorporating into baked goods.
Online, the dried product is available through specialized tea vendors and companies that focus on small-batch, artisanal herbs. Many of these online suppliers are small herb farms that grow, harvest, and process the plant themselves, often offering certified organic material. Consumers should seek out vendors who detail their processing methods, noting that herbs dried quickly often retain the best aroma and flavor.
When purchasing dried Anise Hyssop, confirm that the material is food-grade, especially if it is intended for consumption. The best products consist of whole, fragrant leaves and flowers rather than fine powder. These dried herbs are ready for immediate use in infusions or as a flavoring agent.