Hyssop

(Hyssopus officinalis)

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Hyssopus officinalis, commonly known as Hyssop, is a semi-deciduous perennial subshrub or herb native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region along the Caspian Sea. It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) with a woody base and multiple upright branches. Hyssop’s narrow, lance-shaped leaves are highly aromatic, and from June to September, it produces whorls of vibrant pink, blue, or occasionally white flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

Hyssop is valued for its ornamental and culinary uses, as well as its historical medicinal applications. The showy flowers and pleasant scent make it a popular choice for herb gardens, borders, and as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators. It is also used to flavor liqueurs, sauces, and stews. Hyssop prefers well-drained, chalky or sandy soil and requires little maintenance once established. It is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping. However, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may suffer from foliar diseases in humid climates.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
  • Height: 1.5-2 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region along the Caspian Sea

Other Names

Common Names: Common Hyssop, Garden Hyssop, Ysop, Arznei-Ysop, Hisopo, Hysope Officinale, Hysope, Hissopo, Isop, Shen Xiang Cao, Issop Obyknovennyj

Scientific Names: , Hyssopus officinalis, Hyssopus officinalis subsp. angustifolius, Hyssopus officinalis var. vulgaris, Hyssopus officinalis f. officinalis, Hyssopus schleicheri, Thymus hyssopus,

GBIF Accepted Name: Hyssopus officinalis L.