yellow-faced bees – Wild Things in the Garden

Rising high above the foliage, Yellow Giant Hyssop (Agastache nepetoides) extends its green and yellow spires. This Hyssop’s habit draws attention and offers a vertical accent to the garden. A. nepetoides supplies nectar and pollen to late season pollinators and beneficial insects.

Not as commonly used as Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), this Agastache grows from 4 to 7 feet and spreads from 1 to 3 feet. It thrives in zones 2 to 8. Yellow Giant Hyssop enjoys fertile, loamy soil and moist to medium conditions. Light shade to full sun is best.^2,

It endures summer’s heat and humidity. But, in dry, sunny areas, some leaves will wilt with drought conditions. Deer and other animal grazers avoid the bitter foliage. A. nepetoides has both fibrous and rhizomatous roots and can form clonal colonies from the rhizomes. In ideal conditions, this Hyssop reseeds generously.²

In natural areas, A. nepetoides grows in meadows in wooded areas, deciduous woodlands, lowland woods, moist, open woodlands, woodland borders and openings, thickets, powerline clearances in wooded areas, open thickets, weedy or early succession areas, roadsides, railroads, limestone-derived soils, fencerows, on rich soils, on calcareous bedrock, talus and rocky slopes and rocky banks. For this plant, disturbance is helpful as long as it reduces shade.^3,12,13

A striking plant, Yellow Giant Hyssop forms straight, upright stems. It has few branches except in older plants. They sprout flower stems from mid to upper leaf axils. In Michigan, these erect plants last through the winter weather adding interest in the landscape.¹²

The stems themselves are light green and smooth. Like other mints, they have four sides. Each side is angled and forms a wing-shape.¹²

The medium to dark green, hairless foliage on Agastache nepetoides grows in opposite pairs. Edges have large serrations. Young, upper leaves may have some hair. Each leaf can be up to 6” long and 3” wide and resembles the leaves on Catmint/Catnip (Nepeta spp.). The specific epithet “nepetoides” refers to this shape.^2,12

Giant Yellow Hyssop’s green and yellow flowers are the rarest color of summer native flowers. The true blooms are the delicate yellow blossoms about 0.3” long and about 0.25” wide. Only a few open at a time and fade quickly. Most of the color comes from the medium green calyxes. Essentially, the spires read green with small bursts of yellow.¹²

Spikes sit at the top of stems—central and side stems. They can be 4 to 16” long and 0.75 to 1” wide. Blooms have 2 upper, 2 side and 1 lower lobes. The lower lobe is largest. Each flower had 4 stamens and a divided style. They extend beyond the bloom giving a slightly fuzzy effect. Blossoming starts in mid-summer and continues until early fall. It lasts 1 to 2 months.^5,12

Agastache nepetoides is a stunning garden plant but that’s just part of the story. This Hyssop offers nectar and pollen to late season pollinators and beneficial insects. According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, it’s of Special Value to Native Bees, Special Value to Bumblebees and, also, Supports Conservation Biological Controls (beneficial insects). In my garden, these flowers always have some honeybees on them. Various butterflies, moths and skippers sip its nectar.^4,12

Numerous bees gather resources from Yellow Giant Hyssop including Bumblebees (Bombus spp.), Halictid bees, Yellow-Faced Bees (Hylaeus spp.), and Honeybees (Apis spp.). In my garden, many other flowers are blooming with Tall Yellow Hyssop. These plants include Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Sweet Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) and Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata). The small to medium bees tend to visit these blooms. I’ve included photos for reference.^8,12

While the Xerces society doesn’t mention Honeybees, they frequent these flowers in my garden. In the past, Midwestern beekeepers grew Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) as a ‘honey plant’—a major food source for their hives. Other Agastaches are just as attractive to honeybees. The Great Lakes area has a variety of native Agastaches to choose and A. nepetoides is just one.

Bee flies and Syrphid flies also visit Giant Yellow Hyssop.

Giant Yellow Hyssop also host many beneficial insects in its foliage as well as its flowers. In a study by Michigan State University, Insidious flower bug (Orius insidious), a small plant bug (Plagiognathus politus), crab spiders (Thomisidae), dagger flies (Empididae), and tiny, parasitoid wasps (Chalcidoidea), were all moderately attracted to it. This hyssop mildly attracted lady beetles (Coccidnellidae), jumping spiders(Salticidae), damsel bugs (Nabidae), Soldier beetles (Cantharidae), green lacewings (Chrysopidae), ragweed plant bug (Chlamydatus associatus), and predatory thrips (Aeolothripidae).

In addition, the Pale Green Assassin Bug (Zelus luridus) hunts throughout A. nepetoides’ foliage. Of the 5 North American species, Z. luridus is the most common in North America. It’s native to most of North America and most common in the Eastern U.S. This assassin bug’s mostly an ambush predator waiting on leaves for prey.^1.7,9

Occasionally, the Pale Green Assassin Bug hunts actively using a wonderful adaptation. It has a gland on the fore tibiae that secretes a sticky material. The gland develops in the second instar. The first instar uses the sticky secretions that held the eggs in place.^1,7,9

When ready to hunt, Zelus smears the sticky substance on the small hairs on its tibia. Then it sticks them into the flower parts searching for small insects. This material also helps when hunting for flying insects. It coats its forelegs with the material and waves them in the air. When a passing fly, small wasp or other insect hit them, they stick.¹

Then Zelus can use its forelegs to grasp and secure the insect. Once secured, the bug injects digestive juices using it’s beak. The prey’s internal structures turn to liquid and the assassin bug drinks the result.^1,7,9

The Pale Green Assassin Bug is a general predator. Like a spider, it does kill some desirable insects but also many undesirable ones. These pest insects include aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, caterpillars, and flies. A great addition to the garden!^1,7,9

With an approximate 1.5″ wingspan, the Pearl Crescent Butterfly (Phyciodes tharos) is a small but mighty butterfly. Not as large as the Monarch, this butterfly displays intricate black, orange and cream patterning worth a closer look. Where I live in Michigan, we have two very similar species—the Pearl Crescent and the Northern Crescent. I’ve used the Michigan Butterfly Network’s recommended practice of field identification and called this one a Pearl Crescent.^6,10,11

The Pearl Crescent’s active from mid-spring through fall depending on the weather. This butterfly visits a wide range of flowers. It acts as a pollinator for native and cultivated plants.^6,10,11

Asters are the larval host for the Pearl Crescent. There are 2 broods per year and the last group of caterpillars overwinter. Be sure to look for the Pearl Crescent as soon as the temperature warm in the spring!^6,10,11

Thanks for reading my blog! I hope you’ve enjoyed this wander through the unique plant, Giant Yellow Hyssop. Another new find to add variety to your garden!

Happy Gardening,

Mary

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

BugKnow. 2026. “Green Assassin Bug: Identification, Habitat, and Garden Pest Control.” BugKnow, July 24. https://bugknow.com/green-assassin-bug/.
n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. “Agastache nepetoides.” https://plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281383.
“Agastache Nepetoides (Catnip Giant-Hyssop): Go Botany.” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/agastache/nepetoides/.
“Agastache Nepetoides (Yellow Giant Hyssop) | Native Plants of North America.” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=agne2.
“Agastache Nepetoides (Yellow Giant Hyssop): Minnesota Wildflowers.” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/yellow-giant-hyssop.
Maidl, Rachel. 2020. “How to Identify a Pearl Crescent Butterfly.” Birds and Blooms, September 17. https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/attracting-butterflies/pearl-crescent-butterflies/.
Missouri Department of Conservation. n.d. “Assassin Bugs.” Accessed September 23, 2026. https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/assassin-bugs.
“Yellow Giant Hyssop, Agastache nepetoides (L.) Kuntze.” n.d. Native Plant Facts, Native Plants and Ecosystem Services, Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.canr.msu.edu/nativeplants/plant_facts/yellow_giant_hyssop.
“Pale Green Assassin Bug (Zelus Luridus) — Minnesota Seasons.” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/pale_green_assassin_bug.html.
“Pearl Crescent.” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutinvertebrates/wildaboutbutterflies/family-nymphalidae/wambpearlcrescent.html.
“Pearl Crescent: # 13 of ‘23 Butterflies in 2023.’” 2023. Eliza Howell Nature Walk, March 31. https://elizahowellnaturewalk.com/2023/03/31/pearl-crescent-13-of-23-butterflies-in-2023/.
“Yellow Giant Hyssop (Agastache Nepetoides).” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/yg_hyssop.htm.
“Yellow Giant Hyssop Guide – New York Natural Heritage Program.” n.d. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://guides.nynhp.org/yellow-giant-hyssop/.

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Okay, not actual candlelight, but the ethereal candelabra blooms of Veronicastrum virginicum, Culver’s Root. This striking, upright plant provides a strong vertical accent in any garden. It’s long, tapered flower spikes attract pollinators of all kinds while dark green whorls of leaves provide plenty of visual interest.

Growing in zones 3 to 8, this plant stretches from four to seven feet and spreads between two to four feet. Culver’s Root grows in medium to wet, well-drained soils. It tolerates standing water for a short time and thrives in rain gardens. Culver’s Root accepts full sun to light shade and is suited to growing at the woodland’s edge. In very warm zones, it enjoys afternoon shade.

Culver’s Root’s flowers unfold slowly in mid to late summer. Here in zone 5b, it starts in mid-July and continues to the end of August. You can deadhead to encourage rebloom.

The flower color varies slightly with the location. Primarily white, the blooms can have tones of very pale pink, lavender or blue. The blossoms are most often described as candelabra-like with four or more in a whorl at the top of each stem. In mature plants, flower spikes can be 8” in length!

Culver’s Root tends to flop without support especially in shadier areas. I’ve used a peony ring with internal supports. The deer have also trimmed my plant in mid-June by about one-third to one-half. The pruning helped and more flowers formed at each cut. Culver’s Root won’t grow to full height after being cut back.

Its leaf structure is unusual and offers a contrast to surrounding plants. The leaves are whorled in groups of three to seven. Each leaf is lance shaped with slight serrations and attached directly to the stem (sessile) or nearly so. They can be up to 6” long and 1.5” wide. The long stems and whorled leaves give the plant an upright, medium texture. Culver’s Root is not aggressive although it can self-seed. Some good companion plants include blazing star, monarda, milkweed, rattlesnake master, goldenrod, and asters.

V. virginicum has successfully entered the world of horticulture and numerous nativars exist. These nativars have been bred to prevent flopping and to bring more color to the flowers. Some are more compact to fit in small gardens. Here is a sampling of what’s available: ‘Fascination’, 5’ tall, 2’ width, lavender bloom, ‘Red Arrow’, 3-4’ tall, 2-3’ width, purple bloom, ‘Album’, 3-4’ tall, 3-4’ width, white bloom, and ‘Cupid’, 2-3’ tall, 1-2’ width, purple. Like the native plant, all these nativars can grow in zones 3 to 8.

Culver’s Root feeds native bees, honeybees, and beneficial insects. A range of native bees visit it including short and long tongued bees. V. virginicum begins bloom by protruding its anthers outside the bud. Small bees take advantage of this by collecting pollen. These pollinators include Hylaeus (yellow-faced bees).

Hylaeus or yellow-faced bees are one of the most recognizable small bees. Mostly black, they have yellow or white markings on their faces. These marking make them identifiable as Hylaeus although species determination can be tricky. Yellow-faced bees grow from 5 mm (0.2”) to 7 mm (0.27”). They nest in existing hollow cavities primarily in hollow stems or holes in wood. Some have been known to nest in stone. Hylaeus line their nests with a silk or cellophane-like substance produced by the salivary gland. The bee uses her bilobed tongue to paint on the secretions. The lining is waterproof and protects the young from bacteria. Chewed stem pith mixed with saliva is used for cell divisions and salivary gland secretions seal the completed nest.

One fascinating fact, yellow-faced bees are practically hairless. Hylaeus don’t have any scopa or specialized hairs dedicated to holding pollen like other bees. They also have short tongues and so can’t reach deeply into flowers. These bees use their slender bodies to work their way into flowers to reach nectar and pollen. They also chew on anthers to extract pollen. Then Hylaeus swallow the nectar and pollen and hold it in their crop. The crop is a sac separate from the stomach. This fluid mixture is regurgitated and left for the larva to eat.

Another fun fact, yellow-faced bees occur all over the world. However, Hawaii is known for having 63 different species. The yellow-faced bee is the only bee native there. All the species found there are unique to Hawaii.

Lasioglossum (small sweat bees) visit Culver’s root and collect pollen and nectar. They use the hair or scopae on the hind femur and tibia to hold the pollen as well as the bottom of their abdomen.

Once the flowers opens larger visitor arrive including bumblebees (Bombus)

and Leaf-Cutter bees (Megachile)

and Long Horned bees (Melissodes).

Mason bees (Osmia) stop at V. virginicum to collect resources.

Large and small carpenter bees (Xylocopa and Ceratina) also gather nectar and pollen from Culver’s Root.

This is also a plant for beekeepers. Honeybees enjoy V. virginicum when they can find it. I’ve often seen them gathering nectar from this plant in my garden.

The sphecid and the potter wasps also benefit from the flowers. They gather nectar to support them while building and filling their nests. I often see the thread-waisted Mexican Grass-carrying wasp (discussed in “White Goes With Everything”, https://wildthingsinthe.garden/2023/05/31/white-goes-with-everything/) on this plant.

These groups of scary insects look nothing like our sweet fluffy bumblebees. Sphecid wasps resemble nightmare creations with bizarre tiny waists, long thin legs, and triangular heads. The vespid wasps, which include the potter wasp Eumenes fraternas, can resemble sphecid wasps. Sadly, they can also look like yellowjackets, hornets and paper wasps who share their family. Yet when I meet these wasps in the garden, they’re gentle and shy.

Today, let’s talk about Eumenes fraternas. This wasp is in Vespidae family, subfamily Eumeninae, also called potter and mason wasps. Eumenes fraternas is a potter wasp that regularly visits the Culver’s root in my garden. She creates her nest using soil and water. This wasp collects, mixes, and shapes her mud until she completes a small pot with a flared rim. The nest is built on a large leaf, sturdy stem, or a home/structure.

Then, the wasp lays a single egg fastening it to the top of the pot with a silk-like thread. The nest pot is provisioned with several caterpillars. E. fraternas preys on cankerworms or inchworms. The potter wasps frequently hunt moth larva in the Geometridae family. Geometer caterpillars are often pests of native trees eating large amounts of leaves, in some cases, stripping them.

Like other solitary pollinators, E. fraternas is entirely responsible for her eggs. It is in her best interest not to sting. I have found these solitary wasps to be quite cautious. This holds true for the thread-waisted wasps in my garden and the Mexican Grass-carrying wasp. If I bump a plant, they’ll fly away while bumblebees persistently keep feeding. Still, they can sting if handle roughly.

Thank you so much for joining me! I hope you enjoyed reading about Veronicastrum virginicum, Culver’s root, and consider adding it to your garden. Please let me know what you think of the post and tell me what’s going on it your garden by leaving a comment!

Many Thanks!

Mary