What is a hyssop?

   Hyssop is a bushy evergreen shrub of the mint family. It comes from southern Europe and now grows in the warm parts of the United States. The hyssop has a square, coarse stem between one and two feet high. The seeds, flowers, and green parts of the plant have a strong odor and taste. At one time, people used hyssop to season foods and as a medicine. Most people prefer milder flavors today, and no longer use it as an herb. Gardeners sometimes plant it as a shrub for the borders of lawns and gardens. The Bible mentions hyssop, but the plant may not be the same one known today.