1500 Hyssopus officinalis Seeds

Hyssopus officinalis or hyssop is a herbaceous plant of the genus Hyssopus (belonging to the Lamiaceae, or mint family), native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea. Due to its properties as an antiseptic, cough reliever, and expectorant, it is commonly used as a medicinal plant.

Hyssop is a brightly coloured shrub or subshrub that ranges from 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) in height. The stem is woody at the base, from which grow a number of straight branches. Its leaves are lanceolate, dark green in colour, and from 2 to 2.5 cm (0.79 to 0.98 in) long.

During the summer, the plant produces bunches of pink, blue, or, more rarely, white fragrant flowers. These give rise to small oblong achenes.

The species as a whole is resistant to drought, and tolerant of chalky, sandy soils. It thrives in full sun and warm climates.