Common Fennel is a
non-native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in verges, waste ground and coastal areas, to a mature height of up to 150cm.
Fennel is a tall bushy plant with fine feathery and aromatic, aniseed-scented, leaves and seeds. Originally, introduced from the Mediterranean, it is widely used as a vegetable and herb and as an ingredient of Absinthe.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Fennel is a member of the Carrot (Apiaceae) family. The genus name
'Foeniculum' identifies the plant as a Fennel and its species name 'vulgare' means 'common species'.
Concerns: Fennel may spread rapidly from its seed.
Benefits: Fennel attracts hoverflies and provides seed for birds at the end of the summer and into winter. In the South-East, it provides a food source for caterpillars of the visiting Swallowtail butterfly.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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