ExplorePlants

fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel is a tall plant with feathery leaves and a sweet, anise-like smell. It grows tall and has yellow flowers that attract butterflies. People use fennel in cooking for its tasty seeds and crunchy stems!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The fennel has delicate, feathery, bright green leaves that look a bit like dill but are much taller. Its tall, hollow stems are topped with clusters of tiny, bright yellow flowers, forming flat-topped umbrellas.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderApialesFamilyApiaceaeGenusFoeniculum
fennel
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fennel

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient Romans used fennel for both food and medicine, believing it brought strength!

Butterflies, like the Swallowtail, love to lay their eggs on fennel plants.

Fennel seeds were once hung above doorways to ward off evil spirits.

The bulb of fennel tastes like a mild, sweet licorice!

Special abilities

Ability

Scent Shield

Fennel has strong aromatic compounds that help it deter some pests while attracting beneficial insects for pollination.

Ability

Water Seeker

Fennel can grow a deep taproot that helps it reach underground water, allowing it to survive in drier conditions.

Ability

Tall & Strong

Fennel has hollow stems that make it both light and surprisingly strong, helping it stand tall even in windy areas.

Measurements & details

Height
90-180 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
5-15 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Bees collect nectar and pollen from its flowers.

depends on

Old World Swallowtail

Papilio machaon

Larvae (caterpillars) feed on fennel leaves.

pollinates

Marmalade hoverfly

Syrphus ribesii

Hoverflies visit fennel flowers for nectar.

Traits

Also known as

FinocchioSweet Fennel

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always wash fennel before eating it to keep it clean and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is fennel?

90-180 cm

How wide does fennel spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on fennel?

5-15 cm

When does fennel bloom?

Summer

Is fennel edible?

Yes

Is fennel toxic?

None

What is fennel's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is fennel pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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