Family: Lamiaceae
Author: (L.) Kuntze
Bibliography: Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 511 (1891)
Year: 1891
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Agastache
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Yellow giant-hyssop, scientifically known as Agastache nepetoides, is a striking perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. First described by botanist (L.) Kuntze in “Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 511 (1891),” this plant boasts an array of interesting features and a broad habitat range.
This plant is primarily observed across Eastern Canada extending to Central and Eastern United States, indicating its adaptability to various climates and soil types within this vast geographical area. The Yellow giant-hyssop typically thrives in habitats such as open woodlands, prairies, and along forest edges, where it can make the most of its growth potential.
The Yellow giant-hyssop is renowned for its tall, robust stature, often reaching heights between 3 to 6 feet. One of its most distinctive characteristics is its tubular yellow flowers that cluster on spiked inflorescences, which not only adds ornamental value but also attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The flowers bloom from midsummer to early autumn, providing a lengthy visual feast and a vital nectar source during these months.
Another notable feature of Agastache nepetoides is its aromatic foliage. When crushed, the leaves emit a minty fragrance, a trait common within the Lamiaceae family. The leaves themselves are lanceolate to ovate, with serrated edges, and arranged oppositely along square stems, a key identifier for plants within this family.
Cultivating Yellow giant-hyssop can be a rewarding endeavor for gardeners looking to boost pollinator activities in their gardens. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. The plant, once established, shows good drought resistance, making it a suitable choice for low-maintenance gardens.
In addition to its aesthetic and ecological value, Yellow giant-hyssop is sometimes utilized in herbal remedies, though it is less common in modern herbalism compared to other members of the Agastache genus. Its historical uses often tapped into its aromatic and potentially soothing properties.
Overall, the Yellow giant-hyssop is a hardy, attractive, and ecologically beneficial plant, suitable for a wide range of planting schemes and habitat restoration projects within its native range. Its presence not only enhances the biodiversity of the area but also offers visual and sensory appeal throughout the growing season.
Common Names
Eng: catnip giant hyssop, catnip giant-hyssop, yellow giant hyssop, yellow giant-hyssop
Swe: gul anisisop
Fra: agastache faux-népéta, agastache faux-népète
En: Yellow giant-hyssop, Catnip giant-hyssop, Yellow giant hyssop, CATNIP GIANT HYSSOP
Ar: أغستاش قطرمي
Fr: Agastache faux-népète, Agastache faux-népéta
Fa: زوفای بزرگ زرد
Sv: Gul anisisop
Synonyms
- Nepeta altissima (Schrank)
- Vleckia nepetoides ((L.) Raf.)
- Lophanthus nepetoides ((L.) Benth.)
- Hyssopus nepetoides (L.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- New York (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 20, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Sep 1, 2013 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 20, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 19, 2014 by EOL − Milo Pyne (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 20, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 20, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 20, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2926408)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:6315-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Agastache nepetoides (L.) Kuntze)