Blue Flax vs Anise Hyssop

Blue Flax is a native perennial wildflower known for its blue to violet flowers. Each flower lasts just a single day, but new blooms appear continuously, providing weeks of colour. This extended flowering period provides a reliable display from late spring into summer and attracts a variety of pollinators.

They can self-seed readily, so removing spent blooms helps manage their spread. Birds feed on the seeds, and when cooked, they are edible and are described as having a mild, nutty flavour. The plant grows in loose clumps with slender stems and fine foliage. Young plants are leafy, but as they mature, most leaves are shed.

Blue Flax grows well in a wide range of soils, including poor or sandy conditions, and is drought-tolerant once established. The deep root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. They are well-suited for pollinator gardens, restoration, naturalization, and xeriscaping 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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