Hyssopus (hyssop): small aromatic Lamiaceae genus native to Eurasia

Description

Plants in the group develop upright, branching stems that may reach about 60 cm in height, often with fine hairs toward the growing tips. The foliage and stems produce a noticeable scent when crushed. The showy parts are the small, typically blue flowers, which appear on the upper portions of the branches during summer.

Range and cultivation

Wild hyssops are native from the eastern Mediterranean region eastward into central Asia. The best-known member, commonly called the herb hyssop (H. officinalis), is cultivated well beyond its native range and is frequently grown in gardens across temperate regions.

Similar plants

Although the common name "hyssop" is also used for the anise hyssop, Agastache foeniculum (sometimes called blue giant hyssop), that plant is not a close relative despite both belonging to the broader mint family. The anise hyssop is indigenous to much of north-central and northern North America.

• Growth form: herbaceous to partially woody
• Height: up to about 60 cm
• Flowers: small, often blue, borne on upper stems in summer
• Native range: east Mediterranean to central Asia

For further reading on classification see the genus entry and the list of recognized species, and for related plants consult resources on members of the Lamiaceae.