How to identify Sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Sweet fennel, also known as Florence fennel, Fresh fennel
Sweet fennel is an herbaceous perennial often cultivated as an annual, reaching heights of 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters). It has an erect, branching habit, with feathery, yellow-green leaves reminiscent of dill. In the summer, sweet fennel displays tiny yellow flowers that come together in umbels. These blooms are not only eye-catching but also serve as attractants for butterflies. The slender stems and airy foliage give sweet fennel a delicate appearance despite its considerable height.
Lifespan: Perennial, Biennial, Annual
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Feathery, yellow-green compound leaves with aromatic scent, 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) long.
Tiny star-shaped yellow flowers in large umbels, attractive to butterflies and bees.
Small dry schizocarps, 4-10 mm, greenish-brown transitioning to grayish-brown with aromatic properties.
Erect, branching habit reaching 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters), delicate appearance despite considerable height.
Slender stems and airy foliage creating an overall delicate visual impression despite significant height.
The leaves of sweet fennel are feathery and compound, displaying a striking yellow-green color. Each leaf is finely dissected into multiple needle-like segments, creating a delicate, airy texture. The leaves are aromatic when crushed, releasing a distinct fragrance. They typically measure 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) in length. The venation is pinnate, with slender veins running through the needle-like segments. These distinctive features make the leaves a key characteristic for identifying sweet fennel.
The flowers of sweet fennel are tiny, vibrant yellow, and form large, flattened, compound umbels, each measuring up to 6 inches (15 cm) across. Each flower is star-shaped with five small petals, arranged symmetrically. Blooming from June to August, they exude a subtle, sweet scent. These flowers are densely packed, creating a visually striking umbrella-like cluster that is highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The fruit of sweet fennel manifests as small, dry seeds termed 'schizocarps.' These are roughly 4-10 mm in length, composed of two joined carpels that split upon maturity. The schizocarps exhibit a greenish-brown hue, transitioning to a more muted grayish-brown as they age and dry. Each segment is grooved, with subtle ridges contributing to a coarse texture. These seeds are renowned not merely for their culinary applications but also for their aromatic properties that intensify upon crushing.
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Scientific Classification of Sweet fennel
