Sweet Fennel

(Foeniculum vulgare)

Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

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GFDL 1.2

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: user:Fir0002 | License Type: GFDL 1.2 | License URL: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html | Uploader: Fir0002 | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Fennel_flower_heads.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description=Photo © by Jeff Dean |Source=Originally from [http://en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia]; description page is/was [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Image%3AOcotillo-with-bee.jpg here]. |Date=2007-01-29 (original upload date |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as Sweet Fennel, is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, including coastal areas, open fields, and roadsides, as well as parts of Asia and Africa. It belongs to the Apiaceae family and is characterized by its aromatic qualities, making it a popular culinary herb. Sweet Fennel typically grows up to 2.5 meters (8 ft) tall with a thick, hollow stem and feathery, glaucous green leaves. The plant produces compound umbels of bright yellow flowers, each 5–15 centimeters (2–6 in) wide, with 20–50 small flowers on short pedicels, blooming from mid-summer to early autumn. The flowers are quite showy and attract a variety of pollinators.

Sweet Fennel is valued for its anise-flavored foliage and seeds, which are used in a variety of dishes. It is also known for its ornamental appeal in garden settings, where it can provide height and texture to borders and herb gardens. Fennel prefers full sun and adapts to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It requires moderate watering, especially during dry periods. While generally easy to maintain, fennel can self-seed prolifically and may become invasive if not managed. It is also susceptible to aphids and root rot in overly moist conditions. Gardeners should be aware that fennel can cross-pollinate with other fennel varieties, potentially affecting the flavor and characteristics of the seeds produced.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 4-6 feet
Width: 1.5-3 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Native to the Mediterranean region, including coastal areas, open fields, and roadsides, as well as parts of Asia and Africa

Other Names

Common Names: Fennel, Common Fennel, Aniseed-Weed, Shamar, Echter Fenchel, Fenchel, Hinojo, Fenouil, Fenouil Commun, Finocchio

Scientific Names: , Foeniculum vulgare, Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum, Foeniculum officinale, Anethum foeniculum, Foeniculum piperitum, Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce, Foeniculum capillaceum, Foeniculum dulce, Foeniculum vulgare var. piperitum

GBIF Accepted Name: Foeniculum vulgare Mill.