Blue Giant-hyssop

Agastache foeniculum

Ecology & Conservation

Proximity Score: 2
Native Status: ❌ Outaouais ❌ Ottawa ❌ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: NW
CEC Eco-Regions: 5 – Northern Forests, 5.1 – Softwood Shield, 5.1.2 – Lake Nipigon and Lac Seul Uplands
Rarity Notes: Apparently Secure (S4) in Ontario and Secure (G5) globally. Not listed under SARA or COSEWIC. In Quebec the species is introduced and ranked SNA. NatureServe lists it as native in AB, MB, SK, ON, and several US states. Its native range centers on the Great Plains and western Great Lakes region.
S22 S26 S1
Rarity Ranks: QC SNA – Not Applicable, ON S4 – Apparently Secure
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: A prairie and open-field perennial of dry thickets, roadsides, and semi-shaded clearings across western and central North America. Native from Ontario westward through the Great Plains to the Rockies, it reaches its eastern range limit in Ontario where it is ranked S4. In Quebec it is considered introduced (SNA). Typical habitats include dry sandy fields, prairie remnants, and disturbed open ground. The species is strongly aromatic (anise-scented) and is a major pollinator resource visited by 45+ bee species.
S4 S7 S22 S68

Roles: Fortress/Barrier, Insectary Plant, Pollinator Attractor
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: thorns? (supporting signal only)] | Insectary Plant: S72 Hemenway (tables: 7-1, pp. 112); S64 NPPBI 'beneficial insects' flag] | Pollinator Attractor: S73 [HIGH]: S64 Xerces listed (source-classified)]
Notes: Functions as an insectary plant in permaculture guilds, attracting beneficial predator insects including lady beetles and parasitic wasps. Its strong anise fragrance and long bloom season (Jun-Sep) make it an excellent companion for vegetable gardens and orchard understories where biological pest control is desired. The aromatic foliage may also help confuse pest insects seeking host plants.
S72 S64 S29

Category: Analgesic, Antihemorrhagic, Burn Dressing, Cardiac, Cold Remedy, Cough Medicine, Diaphoretic, Febrifuge, Pulmonary Aid
S28 Moerman Drug categories
Notes: Extensively used in traditional Indigenous medicine. The Cheyenne used leaf infusions for chest pains, colds, fevers, and weak heart, and powdered leaves rubbed on the body for high fevers. The Chippewa used root infusions for colds and chest pain, and leaf/stalk poultices for burns. The Cree used infusions of stems, leaves, and other plants for coughing up blood. Flowers were frequently included in Cree medicine bundles. Health Canada NHPID lists it as an approved herbal ingredient.
S28 S36

✅ Edible ✅ Commonly Eaten

Foraging Notes: Leaves and flowers are eaten raw or cooked as a flavoring with a sweet aniseed taste. Widely used by Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains as a hot tea-like beverage taken with meals (Dakota, Omaha, Pawnee, Ponca, Winnebago) and as a sweetening flavor in cooking. The Cree added leaves to store-bought tea to improve flavor. PFAF rates edibility 5/5 and notes the leaves make an excellent salad addition, though they can have a drying effect in the mouth if eaten in large quantity.
S28 S29