Japanese Quince vs Anise Hyssop

Japanese Quince has bright, orange to red showy flowers that bloom in early spring. The flowers appear before the leaves and may continue to bloom after leaves emerge. Flowers grow on old wood, so pruning after flowering will help to promote new growth next spring. They produce yellow-green fruit that taste bitter when eaten raw, typically they are better suited for making preserves.

It can be used as a stand alone ornamental shrub, as a low hedge, or can be trained to grow against a wall. In late winter, branches of Japanese Quince can be cut and brought indoors where they will bloom on their own. They are deer and rabbit tolerant. The branches are spiny making them well suited for keeping unwanted wildlife away.

Anise Hyssop is a native perennial wildflower known for its fragrant spikes of small purple flowers. This plant is an excellent source of nectar and is highly attractive to a variety of bees and other pollinators. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms throughout the season.

Its aromatic leaves release an anise-like (licorice) scent when crushed. Both the leaves and seeds are edible and have been used in teas and as flavouring. Leaves can be harvested at any time, though the oil content is highest just past full bloom. Deer tend to avoid Anise Hyssop because of its strong-smelling leaves. This makes it a useful plant for positioning as a protective border around more vulnerable species.

Anise Hyssop spreads by seeds and rhizomes, but is less aggressive than other members of the mint family and is easy to remove if needed. Historically, it was planted in large numbers as a honey plant to support apiaries. Birds also feed on its seeds, adding to its ecological value.

As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter, it will regrow from the base in the spring. Avoid disturbing the crown during late winter to ensure healthy growth the following season.

Compare Japanese Quince with

Compare Anise Hyssop with