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Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop

Agastache urticifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop (Agastache urticifolia)
Photo: Dcrjsr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CA, CO, MT, NV and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Nettleleaf giant hyssop is a tall native perennial with upright stems and spikes of small white to pale purple flowers. It blooms from June through September and goes dormant in winter, returning each spring from its root system.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Height up to 5 feet may appear too wild for front yards
  • Dies back completely in winter leaving bare stems
  • Natural growth habit lacks formal garden structure

Wildlife value

This plant is excellent for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout its long blooming season. The flowers provide nectar while the seeds feed birds in fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop need?
Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop bloom?
Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop native?
Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop (Agastache urticifolia) is native to CA, CO, MT, NV and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop attract?
Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Is Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop HOA-friendly?
Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz