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Hyssop

Hyssopus

Hyssop
Photo: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0

Hyssopus is a genus of aromatic, herbaceous or semi-woody plants in the mint family, mainly the herb hyssop (H. officinalis) grown for culinary and medicinal use. It needs full sun, well-drained soil and little water once established.

Family
Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Light
Full sun
Water
Water moderately while young, then allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Soil
Light, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
Temperature
Hardy in cold winters; protect young plants from severe frost.
How easy
Easy
Edible
Yes, some parts

About

Hyssopus (hyssop) is a genus of herbaceous or semi-woody plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native from the east Mediterranean to central Asia as far east as Mongolia. They are aromatic, with erect branched stems up to 60 cm (24 in) long covered with fine hairs at the tips. The leaves are narrow oblong, 2–5 cm (0.8–2.0 in) long. The small blue flowers are borne on the upper part of the branches during summer. By far the best-known species is the herb hyssop (H. officinalis), widely cultivated outside its native area in the Mediterranean.

Though commonly called "hyssop", anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum; also called blue giant hyssop) and all Agastache species are not members of Hyssopus. However, both genera are also in the mint family.

Uses

The herb hyssop is used both as a condiment and a medicine. Hyssop leaves and flowers are used to flavor salads and soups. It is also used in the preparation of liqueurs and perfumes. In addition, it is used as a pot herb.

Other Hyssopus plants

Hyssop

Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Hyssopus (plant) by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts and the care summary drawn from them are shared under the same licence.

The care summary was written by AI (Claude, Anthropic) from the sources on this page, with general growing knowledge where they are silent. Check before relying on it.

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