Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

Side view of typical carrot family flower umbels with yellow flowers.

Photo Credit: John M. Randall The Nature Conservancy Bugwood.org

Top view of clustered tiny yellow flowers in an umbel

Photo Credit: John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Bugwood.org

Finely dissected feathery light green leaf similar to dill

Photo Credit: Forest and Kimm Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org

Whole plant with green finely dissected foliage and umbels of yellow flowers rising above.

Photo Credit: Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org

Plant Description

Aromatic licorice-scented perennial up to 6 feet tall with finely dissected grayish-green feathery leaves. Tiny yellow flowers clustered into umbrella-shaped umbels. Base is non-bulb forming. Blooms May – September.

Replace with: yarrow, cow parsnip, yampah, Canada goldenrod, or goatsbeard.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Forb
Habitats	Abandoned fields Disturbed sites Ditches Farm fields Grasslands Pastures Rights of way Riparian areas Roadsides Wetlands
ODA Listing	not listed
Soil and Moisture Conditions	Dry to wet
Shade Preference	Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	up to 6 ft
Distribution	widespread
Control	Digging or repeated slashing before flowering may kill smaller infestations. For larger infestations, chemical methods are more effective. Always follow all label directions.
Reproduction and Spread	Reproduces by seed and from root and crown fragments. Spreads along roads, trails, wildlife and livestock.
More Info	https://www.cal-ipc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Foeniculum_vulgare_Cal-IPC.pdf https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/common-fennel