giant hyssop
giant hyssop Lexical Profile
• noun
Any of several tall, aromatic perennial plants of the genus Agastache in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native primarily to North America, characterized by opposite leaves and dense spikes of small, tubular flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators.
"We planted giant hyssop in the perennial border to provide late-season nectar for hummingbirds and migrating butterflies."
Word Nuance & Usage
Giant hyssop is a common name for plants in the genus Agastache and should not be confused with true hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), although both are aromatic herbs belonging to the mint family.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the English word 'giant' (due to its tall, robust growth habit compared to true hyssops) and 'hyssop' (from Latin 'hyssopus', ultimately from Greek 'hyssōpos', a word of Semitic origin describing an aromatic herb).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.