Agastache nepetoides (Yellow giant hyssop)

Agastache nepetoides, the Yellow Giant Hyssop, is a sizeable member of the mint family native to rich woods, streambanks, and moist thickets. It thrives in dappled sunlight and moist, well-drained soils.


It is one of two Agastache species native to the east coast, the other being the Purple Giant Hyssop (Agastache scrophulariifolia). Yellow giant hyssop is the only Agastache native to the central and eastern Virginia region. Other commonly sold Agastaches (Anise hyssop, Hummingbird mints, and Korean mint) are only native to central states, central America, or are exotic in origin.

 

The plant is primarily recognized by long, unbranched spikes of small, pale yellow to green-yellow flowers. While not as showy a display as compared to other Agastache, these blooms are no less attractive to pollinators. Flowering occurs mid- to late summer and can continue into early fall, offering nectar and pollen for a several months.

 

Giant Yellow Hyssop is particularly attractive to native bees, butterflies, beneficial wasps, and the occasional hummingbird. Goldfinches in particular enjoy pinching out the salt-grain sized nutlet seeds. As a member of the mint family, it produces a subtle, aromatic scent when crushed, and is not often browsed by herbivores. Yellow giant hyssop can naturalize in suitable open habitats and can form loose colonies over time through reseeding and very short, clumping rhizomes.

 

Agastache nepetoides pairs well in naturalized plantings with other tall species, such as Silphiums, mountain-mints, tall coreopsis, woodland Helianthus, parasol white-top, and native woodland grasses such as Bottlebrush grass, Silky wild rye, or Hairy wood chess (Bromus pubescens).