Common Name: Hoary Balm Of Gilead

General Information

Agastache cana is a herbaceous perennial plant with stems that become more or less woody, especially near the base. A much-branched plant, especially near the base, it can grow 75 - 100cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a flavouring and insect repellent. It is grown as an ornamental - some named forms have been developed.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

South-western N. America - west Texas to New Mexico.

Habitat

Dry slopes in the mountains[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.80 m
Pollinators	Bees, Butterflies, Humming birds
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Agastache cana only succeeds outdoors in the milder regions of the temperate zone, where it can usually tolerate temperatures down to about -5°c so long as the soil is not too wet[, , ]. Another report says that the plants are hardy to about -20°c[].
Prefers a sunny sheltered position and a well-drained sandy loam enriched with leaf-mould[, ]. Best if given a hot dry position in full sun[]. Plants can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter regions of the temperate zone[]. Plants are tolerant of poor soils and, once established, also tolerate drought[].
Plants tend to be short-lived, and are sometimes grown as annuals, flowering in their first year from seed[].
A good bee plant, it also attracts butterflies and humming birds[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - used as a flavouring[, ]. A very fragrant flavour[].
The leaves can be used, either fresh or dried, to flavour teas[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The strongly scented leaves are rubbed on the body to repel mosquitoes[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 13°c[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year. Plant out in late spring or early summer[].
Division in spring. Fairly simple, if large divisions are used it is possible to plant them straight out into their permanent positions.
Basal cuttings of young shoots in spring[]. Harvest the young shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm tall and pot them up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse. They should root within 3 weeks and can be planted out in the summer or following spring.