anise hyssop, blue giant hyssop, fragrant giant hyssop, lavender giant hyssop

Description:

species of perennial plant in the mint family, (Lamiaceae). This plant is native to much of north-central and northern North America, notably the Great Plains and other prairies. It is tolerant of deer and drought, and also attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bumblebees, honey bees, carpenter bees, and night flying moths. Anise hyssop is in the same family as hyssop (the mint family Lamiaceae), but they are not closely related. This species grows from 2 ft (61 cm) to 4 ft (120 cm) tall and 1 ft (30 cm) wide, in a clump-like, upright shape, with flowers appearing in showy verticillasters, or false whorls, and occasionally branching at the apex. The leaves have an oval, toothed shape with a white tint underneath. The plant blooms in June to September with bright lavender flowers that become more colorful near the tip. One plant may produce upwards of 90,000 individual flowers. The root system produces a taproot.

Habitat:

Plum Creek Nature Center at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. Spotted in a restored prairie area adjacent to the nature center. Surrounded by forested area with a small lake.