SafePlants

Nettle-Leaf Giant Hyssop (Agastache urticifolia)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae).

Considerations for Children

• This plant belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae).

Quirky Facts

• Nettle-leaf giant hyssop is favored by butterflies.
• The leaves have a fragrant and minty aroma and can be used to make tea.
• Traditionally, a decoction of the leaves was taken for rheumatism by the Miwok people.

Common Names

• Accepted Scientific Name: Agastache urticifolia
• Common Names: Nettle-leaf giant hyssop, horse nettle, nettleleaf giant hyssop, nettleleaf horsemint, horse mint, Sierra Horse Mint, Licorice Mint

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Lamiaceae (also known as Labiatae), the mint family.
• Genus: Agastache
• Species: urticifolia
• Subspecies: Agastache urticifolia var. urticifolia
• Synonyms: A. glaucifolia, Lophanthus urticifolius, Agastache urticifolia (Benth.) Kuntze

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to California and Colorado.
• Found in woodlands and moist areas in the western Rockies and American West.
• Specifically mentioned in the Steens Mountains.
• Found in Idaho

Morphology and Growth Habits

• It is an upright perennial.
• Features fragrant, green leaves.
• Produces short spikes of soft purple-blue flowers that bloom in summer.
• Leaves are opposite, lanceolate, and toothed.
• Life form: Perennial forb

Ecological Role

• Species in the Mint Family (Lamiaceae) can be broadly divided into two groups based on flower location
• Butterflies are attracted to this plant.

Traditional Uses

• Historically, the Miwok people used a decoction of its leaves as an internal antirheumatic remedy.
• The plant can be used to make a tea that may help settle the stomach.

Further Resources

• USDA Plants Database (Species Code: AGUR)
• Discover Life
• Wikimedia Commons for images
• Dave's Garden