Hyssop vs Anise Hyssop is a classic herb-name trap. The names sound almost identical, both plants belong to the mint family, and both can have blue to purple flower spikes. But common hyssop and anise hyssop are not the same herb. Common hyssop is usually Hyssopus officinalis, while anise hyssop is usually Agastache foeniculum.
The difference matters when buying dried herbs, seeds, garden plants, tinctures, extracts, or tea blends. “Hyssop” on a label should not automatically be read as “anise hyssop,” and “anise hyssop” is not just a sweeter variety of hyssop. Secrets Of The Tribe treats this as label-reading literacy: the common name can start the conversation, but the botanical name should confirm the ingredient.
This article does not provide medical advice. Hyssop and anise hyssop products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent coughs, colds, digestive issues, respiratory conditions, anxiety, infections, or any disease. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, taking medication, managing a health condition, or unsure whether an herb is appropriate for you, ask a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal supplements.
Are Hyssop and Anise Hyssop the Same Herb?
No. Hyssop and anise hyssop are different plants.
Common hyssop usually refers to Hyssopus officinalis. Anise hyssop usually refers to Agastache foeniculum. They are both in the Lamiaceae, or mint family, but they are not the same genus.
The shared word “hyssop” is what creates the confusion. It does not mean the plants are interchangeable.
Quick Comparison: Hyssop vs Anise Hyssop
| Feature | Hyssop | Anise Hyssop |
|---|---|---|
| Common botanical name | Hyssopus officinalis | Agastache foeniculum |
| Plant family | Mint family | Mint family |
| Genus | Hyssopus | Agastache |
| Typical taste direction | Aromatic, bitter, minty, resinous, herbal | Sweet, anise-like, licorice-like, minty |
| Common use context | Herb gardens, traditional herb references, extracts | Pollinator gardens, teas, edible flowers, seed packets |
| Main buyer risk | Assuming all “hyssop” labels mean the same herb | Assuming “anise hyssop” is a variety of common hyssop |
What Is Common Hyssop?
Common hyssop usually refers to Hyssopus officinalis. It is an aromatic, woody-based perennial often grown in herb gardens and ornamental borders.
Its leaves are narrow, aromatic, and green. Its flowers are often blue to purple, though cultivars can vary. The plant has a sharper herbal character than anise hyssop.
When herbal product labels say “hyssop,” this is often the plant they mean, but buyers should still verify the botanical name.
What Is Anise Hyssop?
Anise hyssop usually refers to Agastache foeniculum. It is a perennial in the mint family, known for lavender to purple flower spikes and fragrant foliage with an anise-like or licorice-like scent.
Anise hyssop is popular in pollinator gardens because it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is also used in teas and edible garden contexts.
Despite the common name, anise hyssop is not closely related to Hyssopus officinalis. It is also not the same as true anise, Pimpinella anisum.
Why Does Anise Hyssop Have “Hyssop” in the Name?
Anise hyssop has “hyssop” in the name because common names often describe appearance, fragrance, or historical association rather than precise botany.
Anise hyssop can have upright flower spikes and aromatic foliage, which may remind people of hyssop-like garden herbs. But the botanical name tells the more accurate story.
Common names are useful for casual conversation. They are not reliable enough for buying decisions.
Why “Anise” Adds More Confusion
The word “anise” in anise hyssop points to scent and flavor, not plant identity. Anise hyssop can smell and taste sweet, anise-like, or licorice-like.
That does not mean it is true anise. True anise is usually Pimpinella anisum, a different plant in the carrot family.
So anise hyssop is neither common hyssop nor true anise. It is Agastache foeniculum.
Why Blue Hyssop Can Be Confusing
“Blue hyssop” can be used loosely in garden and seed contexts. Sometimes it refers to common hyssop with blue flowers. Sometimes people use similar wording for Agastache plants or other blue-flowering aromatic herbs.
Blue flower color is not enough for identification. Many mint-family plants produce blue, purple, or lavender flower spikes.
If a product or seed packet says blue hyssop, check the botanical name before assuming what it is.
Why Licorice Mint Is Usually Not Common Hyssop
Licorice mint is a common name often associated with anise hyssop or related Agastache plants. The name comes from the sweet, licorice-like aroma and flavor.
Common hyssop does not usually have the same sweet licorice profile. It tends to be sharper, more herbal, and more resinous.
If you want the licorice-like garden herb, look for Agastache foeniculum. If you want common hyssop, look for Hyssopus officinalis.
How Taste and Smell Differ
Hyssop and anise hyssop can both smell aromatic, but they do not smell the same.
Common hyssop is often described as minty, bitter, sharp, camphor-like, resinous, or herbal. Anise hyssop is usually sweeter, with anise, fennel, or licorice-like notes.
Taste and smell can help, but they should not replace botanical confirmation. Drying, storage, cultivar, freshness, and blending can change sensory impressions.
How the Plants Look Different
Common hyssop tends to be a smaller, woody-based, shrubby perennial. It often grows in a more compact, upright form.
Anise hyssop is usually taller and herbaceous, often forming clumps with upright flower spikes. Its leaves are broader than common hyssop leaves and can have a softer, mint-family look.
Both can produce blue to purple flowers, so flower color alone is not enough.
Garden Plant Comparison
| Garden Clue | Hyssopus officinalis | Agastache foeniculum |
|---|---|---|
| Growth habit | Woody-based, shrubby perennial | Upright herbaceous perennial |
| Typical height | Often around 18 to 24 inches | Often around 2 to 5 feet |
| Leaf shape | Narrower leaves | Broader, mint-like leaves |
| Aroma | Sharp, herbal, minty, resinous | Sweet, anise-like, licorice-like |
| Pollinator use | Can attract pollinators | Strong pollinator garden plant |
| Name trap | Often sold simply as hyssop | May be sold as anise hyssop, licorice mint, or giant hyssop |
What Should You Look for on a Dried Herb Label?
Look for the botanical name. A careful dried herb label should say Hyssopus officinalis if it is common hyssop. It should say Agastache foeniculum if it is anise hyssop.
Also check plant part. Dried herb products may use leaf, flowering tops, aerial parts, or cut-and-sifted herb. A vague label that only says “hyssop herb” is less clear.
For buyer confidence, the label should not rely on common names alone.
What Should You Look for on a Seed Packet?
Seed packets can be especially confusing because garden names vary widely. A packet may say hyssop, anise hyssop, giant hyssop, blue giant hyssop, lavender giant hyssop, or licorice mint.
Check the Latin name before planting. Hyssopus officinalis and Agastache foeniculum will grow differently, smell different, and fit different garden roles.
Also check mature height, bloom time, sun needs, winter hardiness, reseeding behavior, and pollinator value.
What Should You Look for in a Tincture or Extract?
A tincture or extract should identify the herb clearly. Look for botanical name, plant part, extraction base, serving directions, alcohol or glycerin base, and warnings.
If the label says hyssop but does not specify Hyssopus officinalis or Agastache foeniculum, ask the seller before buying.
Secrets Of The Tribe takes a cautious editorial stance here: herb identity should not be guessed from flavor words, marketing names, or flower color.
Can You Substitute Anise Hyssop for Hyssop?
Do not automatically substitute anise hyssop for common hyssop. They are different plants with different taste profiles, common uses, and label identities.
In a culinary tea or garden context, people may choose one over the other for flavor. But in herbal product buying, substitution should not be casual.
If a recipe, product, or professional recommendation specifies one botanical name, follow that identity rather than swapping by common name.
Why This Matters for Herbal Buyers
Herbal buyers often compare products by front-label names. That can lead to mistakes when common names overlap.
If you buy “hyssop” expecting a sweet licorice tea, you may be surprised by the sharper profile of common hyssop. If you buy “anise hyssop” expecting traditional hyssop, you may receive a different botanical ingredient.
Botanical names prevent this kind of mismatch.
Why This Matters for Gardeners
Gardeners care about height, spread, bloom time, pollinators, self-seeding, scent, and bed placement. Hyssop and anise hyssop behave differently in the garden.
Anise hyssop can become a taller pollinator plant and may self-seed in favorable conditions. Common hyssop is typically more compact and shrub-like.
If you plant the wrong one, the garden design may not match your plan.
Why This Matters for Tea Blends
Anise hyssop can bring a sweet licorice-like flavor to tea blends. Common hyssop brings a more intense herbal, bitter, or aromatic character.
That changes the taste experience. A blend labeled “hyssop tea” may not taste like “anise hyssop tea.”
Read the ingredient list before assuming the flavor.
Hyssop vs Anise Hyssop Checklist
Use this checklist before buying hyssop seeds, dried herb, tea, tincture, extract, or garden plants. The goal is to avoid common-name confusion and confirm the exact herb.
Check the Botanical Name
Look for Hyssopus officinalis for common hyssop and Agastache foeniculum for anise hyssop.
Do Not Trust Common Names Alone
Hyssop, anise hyssop, blue hyssop, giant hyssop, and licorice mint can confuse buyers.
Smell the Difference When Possible
Anise hyssop usually smells sweet, anise-like, or licorice-like. Common hyssop is sharper and more herbal.
Check the Plant Part
Dried herbs and extracts should identify leaf, flowering tops, aerial parts, root, or whole herb when relevant.
Review the Format
Seeds, dried herbs, teas, tinctures, extracts, and live plants require different label checks.
Compare Garden Size
Anise hyssop is often taller, while common hyssop is usually more compact and woody-based.
Question “Blue Hyssop”
Blue flower color does not confirm the herb. Check the Latin name.
Ask Before Substituting
Do not swap anise hyssop and hyssop in herbal products unless the botanical identity and use context are clear.
Watch for Blends
Tea blends and tinctures may include several herbs, so confirm whether hyssop is the main ingredient or one part of a formula.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Thinking Anise Hyssop Is a Variety of Hyssop
Anise hyssop is Agastache foeniculum, not a simple variety of Hyssopus officinalis.
Buying by Flavor Name Only
Licorice mint and anise-like wording usually point to Agastache, but the botanical name should confirm it.
Assuming All Blue Flower Spikes Are the Same
Many mint-family plants have blue, purple, or lavender flower spikes.
Ignoring Plant Part
Aerial parts, leaves, flowering tops, and extracts can create different product experiences.
Using One Product Label to Understand All Hyssops
Different labels may use different common names. Compare botanical names instead.
FAQ
Are hyssop and anise hyssop the same?
No. Hyssop is usually Hyssopus officinalis, while anise hyssop is usually Agastache foeniculum.
Is anise hyssop a type of hyssop?
Not in the strict botanical sense. It belongs to the Agastache genus, not the Hyssopus genus.
Why is it called anise hyssop?
The name reflects its anise-like scent and hyssop-like appearance, but it is not true anise or common hyssop.
What does anise hyssop smell like?
Anise hyssop often smells sweet, anise-like, fennel-like, or licorice-like.
What does common hyssop smell like?
Common hyssop usually smells sharper, more herbal, minty, bitter, or resinous.
What is blue hyssop?
Blue hyssop is an imprecise common name. Check the botanical name before buying seeds or herbs.
Is licorice mint the same as anise hyssop?
Licorice mint is often used for anise hyssop or related Agastache plants, but labels should confirm the botanical name.
Can I substitute anise hyssop for hyssop?
Do not substitute automatically. They are different plants with different taste, identity, and product positioning.
What should I check on a product label?
Check the botanical name, plant part, format, serving directions, warnings, and whether the product is a blend.
Glossary
Hyssop
A common name usually referring to Hyssopus officinalis, an aromatic mint-family herb.
Anise Hyssop
A common name usually referring to Agastache foeniculum, a mint-family plant with an anise-like scent.
Hyssopus officinalis
The botanical name for common hyssop.
Agastache foeniculum
The botanical name for anise hyssop.
Lamiaceae
The mint family, which includes hyssop, anise hyssop, mint, basil, sage, oregano, and many aromatic herbs.
Common Name
A non-scientific plant name that can vary by region, trade, or appearance.
Botanical Name
The scientific name used to identify a plant more precisely than a common name.
Licorice Mint
A common name often associated with anise hyssop or related Agastache plants.
Blue Hyssop
An imprecise common name that may refer to different blue-flowering plants depending on context.
Aerial Parts
The above-ground parts of a plant, often including leaves, stems, and flowers.
Conclusion
Hyssop vs Anise Hyssop comes down to botanical identity: Hyssopus officinalis and Agastache foeniculum are different plants with different taste, scent, garden behavior, and label meaning. Use common names as clues, but use botanical names to make the final decision.
Sources
Anise hyssop profile identifying Agastache foeniculum, anise-scented foliage, height, flower spikes, and pollinator value, Missouri Botanical Garden — missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d554
Common hyssop profile identifying Hyssopus officinalis, growth habit, native range, and aromatic leaves, Missouri Botanical Garden — missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b939
Anise hyssop plant profile identifying Agastache foeniculum, growth conditions, height, and garden behavior, North Carolina State Extension — plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/agastache-foeniculum
Anise hyssop profile explaining that despite the common name it is not closely related to Hyssopus spp. or true anise, Wisconsin Horticulture — hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/anise-hyssop-agastache-foeniculum
Dietary supplement consumer guidance and label-reading basics, U.S. Food and Drug Administration — fda.gov/food/information-consumers-using-dietary-supplements/questions-and-answers-dietary-supplements
Anise hyssop overview noting common names including blue giant hyssop, fragrant giant hyssop, and lavender giant hyssop, Wisconsin Horticulture — hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/anise-hyssop-agastache-foeniculum
Anise hyssop article explaining Agastache foeniculum common names and distinction from Hyssopus spp. and Pimpinella anisum, Piedmont Master Gardeners — piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/anise-hyssop
Structure/function claims and required dietary supplement disclaimer language, U.S. Food and Drug Administration — fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/structurefunction-claims
