Foeniculum vulgare aka Fennel
Taxonomy
Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, is a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region but has spread to other parts of the world, particularly on dry soils near the sea-coast and riverbanks. Fennel is highly valued for its aromatic and flavorful properties and is a primary ingredient in absinthe. The plant has two main varieties - leaf fennel and Florence fennel. Leaf fennel is grown for its aniseed-flavored leaves and seeds, while Florence fennel has a swollen, bulb-like stem base that is used as a vegetable. Fennel flowers also have a sweet, mildly anise or licorice flavor and are used in egg and fish dishes. However, fennel can be invasive in some areas and should be monitored carefully.
Common names
Fennel, Wild Fennel, Aniseed Weed, Bronze FennelHow to care for Fennel
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Fennel is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Fennel should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Lighting
Fennel requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Wild Fennel is always in the right place to thrive.
Toxicity
Fennel is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Fennel as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Fennel’s native range is S. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Foeniculum Genus
