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Additional Fennel Information
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 Fennel
belongs to the Umbelliferae family, members of which also include angelica, anise,
chervil, coriander,
dill, and parsley.
It is native to central and western Europe, South Africa, and China. The
leaves can be used in fish, veal, and pork, and mixed with flavored butters,
oils, vinegars, and salad dressings. The seeds are used as a spice, mainly
for breads. Fennel
has feathery foliage and hollow stems. It is drought-hardy and will grow
just about anywhere. It is a perennial that can also be grown as an
annual. Established roots will overwinter easily. It will bolt with too
much heat, so start seed early in spring. It grows to up to six feet, and
flowers in mid-summer. Flowering is followed by a seed head with many
ribbed seeds.
Fennel is a host for Swallowtail Butterflies, which
spend their entire life cycle either on or near it, and as such, it is a
valuable part of any garden habitat. The flowers also attract beneficial
bees. Be careful where you plant Fennel, however, as
many other plants will not do well in close proximity to it. See Companion
Planting for more details.
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