Genus: Dracocephalum

Common Names: dragonhead

A genus of around 89 accepted species of both perennials and annuals. A few species are cultivated as ornamentals but are widely available. The most notable species in cultivation is D. officinale (formerly Hyssopus officinalis), otherwise known as true hyssop; this species has a long history of human use culinary purposes, traditional medicine, and in herbalism.

Distribution: temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere

Dracocephalum officinale [blue form]

Common name(s): hyssop, true hyssop, blue hyssop

Description: perennial; a versatile, old-world herb used in medicine, liqueurs, beekeeping, essential oils, as a spice and more. Aromatic semi-evergreen foliage and blue-purple flower spikes in summer. 

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 18 in.

Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, ornamental, culinary, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 4 months of summer drought

Dracocephalum officinale [pink form]

Common name(s): hyssop, true hyssop, pink hyssop

Description: perennial; a versatile, old-world herb used in medicine, liqueurs, beekeeping, essential oils, as a spice and more. Aromatic semi-evergreen foliage and pink flower spikes in summer. 

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 18 in.

Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, ornamental, culinary, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 4 months of summer drought

Dracocephalum officinale [white form]

Common name(s): hyssop, true hyssop, white hyssop

Description: perennial; a versatile, old-world herb used in medicine, liqueurs, beekeeping, essential oils, as a spice and more. Aromatic semi-evergreen foliage and white flower spikes in summer. 

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 18 in.

Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, ornamental, culinary, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 4 months of summer drought