SafePlants

New Mexico Giant Hyssop (Agastache pallidiflora)

Agastache pallidiflora, commonly known as New Mexico Giant Hyssop or Bill Williams Mountain Giant Hyssop, is a plant belonging to the mint family.

Common Names:

• New Mexico Giant Hyssop
• Bill Williams Mountain Giant Hyssop
• Giant Hyssop
• Bill William's Hyssop
• Pallid Flower Giant Hyssop

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

• Scientific Name: Agastache pallidiflora (A. Heller) Rydb.
• Family: Lamiaceae (also known as Labiatae)
• Rank: Species, Subspecies, Variety
• Subordinate Taxa:
  • Agastache pallidiflora ssp. pallidiflora
  • Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana (Briq.) Lint & Epling
  • Agastache pallidiflora ssp. pallidiflora var. gilensis R.W. Sanders
  • Agastache pallidiflora var. neomexicana (Briq.) R.W. Sanders
• Synonym: A. pallidiflora neomexicana (Briq.)
• Symbol: AGPAN2 (for Agastache pallidiflora var. neomexicana)

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits:

• Agastache pallidiflora is described as a subshrub forb/herb.
• It is a perennial plant.
• It can grow up to 2 meters high.
• It may be evergreen during the summer.
• Adult specimens may assume a purple coloring.
• Some varieties have lavender blue flowers, while others are yellow or pink.

Distribution and Habitat:

• Native to the mountains of the Southwest US.
• Found in New Mexico (NM).
• Not found in Idaho.

Ecological Role:

• Used by the Ramah people.

Interactions with Other Organisms:

• The plant is aromatic and scented.

Further Information:

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Agastache pallidiflora.
• Dave's Garden provides tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
• USDA resources are available.