One of the many things I enjoy about blogging is fellow bloggers are often willing to share their wildlife experiences and gardening tips. Recently blogger Heather N. graciously revealed one of her wildlife gardening tips.
Heather wrote that each summer one of the plants that goldfinches are drawn to in her yard is anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum). She went on to say that these beautiful birds are eating anise hyssop seeds right now.
Since I am not familiar with the plant, I decided to do a little research on it. I found that it is native to the northern section of the United States and Canada. However, this perennial herb is widely planted in many parts of the country, including Georgia.
The plant produces blooms that attract a number of pollinators such as butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Its leaves produce a pleasant licorice scent. Its seeds are also consumed by a number of birds, like goldfinches.
If Heather had not taken the time to share her wildlife gardening tip, I might not have ever learned of anise hyssop’s value to wildlife. Now that I am aware of it, I hope to find a place for it in my yard.
4 thoughts on “BLOGGER REPORTS GOLDFINCHES LOVE ANISE HYSSOP”
I attained Anise Hyssop from Plant Life Nursey in Rome GA in 2019. Larry, the owner, suggested it to me when I requested natives. From the first minute it was in the ground if had pollinators. I saved seeds and it grows easily from seed. I have then transplanted them to different spots throughout my property. It is a wonderful pollinator plant and I am happy to learn of its value to Goldfinches. I enjoy and learn much from your blog! Thanks so much, Susan Pleak Cedar Bluff AL
Thanks for your great information. Now that you have confirmed it does well in NW GA, I hope folks that have tried it in their part of the state share their experiences with the plant.
You’re welcome! I hope it grows well for you. I’m in Macon, and it is thriving here. I’d also like to try giant purple hyssop because I’ve read it’s native to Georgia.
I attained Anise Hyssop from Plant Life Nursey in Rome GA in 2019. Larry, the owner, suggested it to me when I requested natives. From the first minute it was in the ground if had pollinators. I saved seeds and it grows easily from seed. I have then transplanted them to different spots throughout my property. It is a wonderful pollinator plant and I am happy to learn of its value to Goldfinches. I enjoy and learn much from your blog! Thanks so much, Susan Pleak Cedar Bluff AL
Susan,
Thanks for your great information. Now that you have confirmed it does well in NW GA, I hope folks that have tried it in their part of the state share their experiences with the plant.
You’re welcome! I hope it grows well for you. I’m in Macon, and it is thriving here. I’d also like to try giant purple hyssop because I’ve read it’s native to Georgia.
Heather,
Thanks for taking the time to write about anise hyssop. Comments such as the one you sent make me want to try it even more.
Terry