Cutleaf Anemone vs Anise Hyssop

Pacific Anemone is a native perennial wildflower with buttercup-like blooms. The flowers can be a variety of colors, including white, pink, and dark red. The deeply cut leaves add a unique texture to the landscape. The flowers bloom from May to August, providing early-season nectar and pollen for insects. They attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

As the flowers fade, they become fluffy white seed heads, which birds often use in their nests. They can spread readily through self-seeding; to limit their spread, regular deadheading is recommended. Tolerant of drought and poor soils, the Pacific Anemone is well suited for wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens, and naturalization projects.

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.

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.

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