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purple giant hyssop

Scientific Name: Agastache scrophulariifolia

Family: Lamiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CT (purple giant hyssop), KY (purple giant hyssop)

       

Purple Giant Hyssop (Agastache scrophulariifolia)

Purple Giant Hyssop, scientifically known as Agastache scrophulariifolia, is a striking perennial wildflower native to North America. This plant is favored for its attractive flowers, its ability to attract pollinators, and its adaptability to various garden settings.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is aromatic and a member of the mint family.
  • Some varieties of *Agastache* are described as having rough leaves.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is aromatic and a member of the mint family.
  • Some varieties of *Agastache* are described as having rough leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Agastache scrophulariifolia (Willd.) Kuntze
  • Common Name: Purple Giant Hyssop
  • Plant Symbol: AGSC
  • Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms: Purple Giant-hyssop
  • Other Names: Mentions of Agastache rugosa, Wrinkled Giant Hyssop, Korean Hyssop, Korean Mint, Blue Liquorice, Huo xiang, Indian Mint, and Patchouli may refer to similar or related plants.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the US and Northern Ontario, Canada.
  • Found in rich, moist woods and along river banks.
  • Common in wetland edges.
  • Grows wild across the central prairie regions of the United States and Canada.
  • Found growing in moist open woods and thickets.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Erect perennial plant growing up to 5 feet in height.
  • Features opposing, aromatic, heart-shaped leaves.
  • Tall, strong, 4-angled central stems (typical of the mint family).
  • Flowers are pale purple to purplish-red, forming a crowded, terminal spike or raceme (1 to 6 inches long).
  • Flowers have purple bracts.
  • Large, fragrant leaves below the flower spikes.
  • Spreads well.
  • Foliage of Purple Giant Hyssop doesn't have an anise scent, unlike some related species.

Ecological Role

  • Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees (including bumblebees).
  • Beneficial plant for attracting pollinators.
  • Good background plant in gardens.

Quirky Facts

  • Native Americans historically utilized Purple Giant Hyssop, although the specific uses are not detailed in the provided text.
  • Some descriptions mention watering with Epsom salts to provide magnesium.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
  • Provides a food source for insects like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and bumblebees.