Anise Hyssop is a plant native to North America that can grow up to 3 to 5 feet tall (1 to 1 ½ metres.) It is perennial in areas where winters are milder.
It blooms in July, producing blue flowers that grow in spikes at the end of the branches. Bees love the plant.
Various parts of the plant are used as an herb for flavouring, and for tisanes. The leaves can be used sparingly in salads, and to flavour mixed drinks, and in fruit desserts. The flowers are edible; the seeds can be used in baked goods.
The leaves smell a bit like liquorice.
Storage Hints
When drying the leaves, for maximum flavour harvest just when the plant starts to bloom.