About Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze
Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze is a perennial plant that grows from a taproot, reaching 0.6–1.2 metres (2–4 feet) in height with an upright, clump-forming growth habit. Its leaves are oval with toothed edges and have a white tint on the underside. This plant blooms from June to September, producing bright lavender flowers that become more intensely colored near the tip. A single plant can produce over 90,000 individual flowers, which grow in showy verticillasters (false whorls), with occasional branching at the apex. This species is native to most of north-central and northern North America, where it is most commonly found in the Great Plains and other prairie habitats. It is tolerant of deer and drought, and attracts a wide range of pollinators including hummingbirds, butterflies, bumblebees, honey bees, carpenter bees, and night-flying moths. Honey bees produce light, fragrant honey from the nectar of this plant, which is considered one of the best species for pollinator foraging. The 1969 edition of Rodale's Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening notes that one acre of Agastache foeniculum can support 100 honey bee hives. This plant has a very long blooming season, often flowering from June until frost, and bees can be observed visiting its flowers from morning to dusk throughout this period. Its abundant flowers provide reliable forage for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Indigenous Cree, Cheyenne, and Ojibwa peoples used this plant medicinally to treat fevers, respiratory issues, and burns. Its soft leaves carry a scent of anise, and are used as a seasoning, brewed into tea, added to potpourri, and can be crumbled into salads.
