For truly, both hummingbirds AND butterflies are known to be greatly attracted to the mosquito plant. It is a very aromatic perennial with a variety of pseudonyms. One of its most popular common names is mosquito plant, as it has been touted by some for repelling mosquitoes when its foliage is crushed and rubbed on one s skin or clothing. Agastache cana is native to New Mexico, where it grows wild in certain mountainous areas in altitudes of 5,000-6,000 feet. There it has gained recognition for attracting rufous and broad-tailed hummingbirds, various species of butterflies, bees, and certain sphinx moths.
Goldfinches also enjoy eating the seeds of agastache cana.
Although agastache typically grows as a wildflower in those areas of Texas and New Mexico already mentioned, some very striking cultivar varieties can be obtained from specialty nurseries. If you live in one of the colder USDA zones, there are warm weather varieties that can be grown as half-hardy perennials. These plants are very striking planted in drifts or as a border, and both hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to them. Their anise-scented foliage can also be used in making an herbal tea, or as a flavor for baking cookies or cakes. They do best when planted in USDA zones 7 to 10, or can be grown as a half-hardy annual in colder zones.