Giant Hyssop, Nettleleaf giant hyssop

Agastache urticifolia

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

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

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Tea Leaves[160]. No further details are given, but they are most likely to be used as an aromatic flavouring in salads and cooked foods[K]. Seed - raw or cooked[105, 161, 177, 183, 212, 257]. The seed is very small and fiddly to use[K]. The dried flowers and leaves are used to make a herbal tea[183]. Foraging: The leaves and flowers are edible, with a distinctive minty flavor. Fresh leaves are mild and pleasant, while flowers are stronger in taste but hairy, making them less appealing raw. Both can be added to salads or lightly cooked. Boiling softens leaves but does little to remove their gritty texture [2-3]. The seeds (nutlets) are technically edible but have an unpleasant raw flavor described as tarry or resinous. Processing improves them somewhat: light toasting followed by boiling in water reduces bitterness and produces a usable porridge or flour. Nutlets are easy to collect in large numbers by tapping the flowering heads, though separating the seed coats is difficult. Even after preparation, the seeds remain one of the less palatable wild foods, though they provide some calories and were historically used [2-3].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antirheumatic Stomachic The leaves are analgesic and antirheumatic[257]. A decoction is taken internally in the treatment of rheumatism, measles, stomach pains and colds[257]. Externally, a poultice of the mashed leaves is applied to swellings[257].

Known Hazards

None known