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Fennel

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Fennel

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Scientific name: Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel has feathery leaves and open, umbels of yellow flowers. It was probably introduced by the Romans for culinary use, and is now a naturalised species of verges, waste ground and sand dunes.

Top facts

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Height: up to 2m

Conservation status

Introduced, but naturalised species.

When to see

July to October

About

With feathery leaves and open, umbrella-like clusters of yellow flowers, Fennel is a distinctive member of the carrot family (umbellifer). It favours grassy, disturbed ground and can be seen along roadside verges, and on waste grounds and sand dunes. Probably introduced by the Romans as a herb for cooking and medicine, it is certainly widely naturalised today, and can be seen flowering between July and October.

What to look for

Fennel has grey-green foliage with thread-like leaves that smell of aniseed. Its loose umbels of yellow flowers appear at the ends of branched stems.

Where to find

Mainly found in Central and Southern England, and along the Welsh coast.

Habitats

Did you know?

The seeds of Fennel are still regularly used in cooking today and are sometimes provided as an after-dinner treat in Indian restaurants.