Hyssop

Description

Hyssop is a hardy, evergreen perennial herbaceous plant that gives off an intense and pleasant aroma; because of the delicate beauty of its clump, which rises compactly to about half a metre and has good ornamental value, hyssop is very suitable for growing in gardens, where it is used for borders and low hedges. Hyssop, which has been cultivated since the most remote times, is mentioned in the Bible as a sacred plant.

Stem

The stem of hyssop, branched and square in shape, is woody at the base and herbaceous above.

Leaves

The aromatic leaves of Hyssopus officinalis, from which an oil used by the perfume industry and by distilleries is extracted, are narrow and from a few millimetres to over two centimetres long, pointed, linear or lanceolate, slightly hairy, of a fine intense green. In cooking they should be used in moderation (and never by expectant mothers); they can be added to soups and meat, whose digestion they aid, or to fruit salads.

Flowers

Hyssop flowers in high summer, between July and September, and its flowers are much appreciated by bees and butterflies. The small flowers, gathered in axillary clusters and forming an apical spike, can be deep blue or, less frequently, white and pink.

Exposure

The ideal position for hyssop is sheltered from the wind and in full sun.

Propagation

Propagation is by division of the clumps, to be done in late spring, towards April-May, or at the beginning of autumn. Those who prefer can also sow seed, in March-April, in a light, calcareous substrate.

Growth

This herbaceous plant is decidedly robust and its cultivation requires no particular care.

Harvesting

The flowers should be picked as soon as they begin to open; the leaves, as needed, at any time of year.

Storage

Leaves and inflorescences are kept after drying and are excellent ingredients of pot-pourri.

Properties

IN THE KITCHEN: The flowers and the most tender leaves can be added to salads, soups and roasts. The flowering tops are used in some sauces and soups, they are also an ingredient of "cent'erbe" liqueurs.

Health

An infusion of hyssop leaves is useful for treating coughs and colds; a cup of the infusion, drunk after meals, also aids digestion.

Curiosity

If a few hyssop plants are planted in the vegetable garden, near the rows of cabbages, the dreaded cabbage white butterflies will be kept away from the latter, as they are drawn elsewhere by the fragrance of the hyssop flowers.