SafePlants

Sonoran Giant Hyssop (Agastache wrightii)

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Agastache (giant hyssop) is a genus of aromatic flowering herbaceous plants, so ingestion could cause mild stomach upset.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Agastache (giant hyssop) is a genus of aromatic flowering herbaceous plants, so ingestion could cause mild stomach upset.

Common Names

• Sonoran Giant Hyssop
• Wright's Horsemint

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Agastache wrightii (Greenm.) Wooton & Standl.
• Rank: Species
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Synonym: Agastache wrightii syn Sonoran giant hyssop

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Northern Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora) and the Southwestern USA (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas).
• Often found at elevations of 4000–6000 ft.
• Also mentioned to be a Sonoran Desert plant.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A native shrubby perennial herb.
• Can grow to 75-100(-150) cm in height.
• Foliage has a strong mint scent.
• Features smallish purple flowers in long spikes.

Cultivation

• Prefers part shade.
• Care instructions for growing Sonoran Giant Hyssop are available from real gardeners.

Quirky Facts

• The foliage has a strong mint scent and can be used to make good tea.
• The name "Sonora" is derived from the Spanish word meaning "sonorous".

Related Species

• Agastache breviflora (A. Gray) Epling – Trans-Pecos giant hyssop
• Agastache cana 'Sinning' SONORAN SUNSET features tubular, sweetly fragrant, purple flowers.
• Agastache foeniculum - Blue Giant Hyssop

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Agastache wrightii.
• Vascular Plant Herbarium (ASU).
• UA Herbarium.