Giant Hyssop, Nettleleaf giant hyssop
Agastache urticifolia

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Agastache urticifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Moist soils of open hillsides, canyons and mountain valleys, from the foothills to about 2,500 metres.

Western N. America - Montana to British Columbia, south to California and Colorado.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Leaves. No further details are given, but they are most likely to be used as an aromatic flavouring in salads and cooked foods. Seed - raw or cooked. The seed is very small and fiddly to use. The dried flowers and leaves are used to make a herbal tea.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves are analgesic and antirheumatic. A decoction is taken internally in the treatment of rheumatism, measles, stomach pains and colds. Externally, a poultice of the mashed leaves is applied to swellings.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Prefers a warm sunny sheltered position and a well-drained soil. Succeeds in most soils. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. A plant is growing in a sunny bed at Kew Botanical gardens and appears fully hardy there. This species withstands temperatures down to about -40°c when fully dormant. The flowers are very attractive to bees.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 13°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring. Fairly simple, if large divisions are used it is possible to plant them straight out into their permanent positions. Basal cuttings of young shoots in spring. Harvest the young shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm tall and pot them up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse. They should root within 3 weeks and can be planted out in the summer or following spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. glaucifolia. Lophanthus urticifolius.