Foeniculum vulgare,  Fennel.  Herbaceous perennial.  Every part of the plant, from the seed to the root is edible.  Fennel is also called anise.  I give you the botanical names because several other plants are called anise.  This way I can be more specific, and you can learn the way I did, scientifically.

 

There are a couple of varieties.  Florence fennel is the one grown commercially for its succulent bulb, and the bronze form, which is the one we grow.  The bulb of bronze fennel is still edible, just not as big as the one you can buy in the grocery store.  In the garden, nobody is companionable with fennel.  Don't know why, but I've read it more than a few times, so I don't push my luck...

 

Fennel self-seeds once it is established.  We brought this with us too, when we moved from VA.  I love that Black swallowtail butterflies are attracted to it.  They use it as a host plant for their caterpillars.  We would capture the tiny caterpillars and raise them in my classroom, watching as they grew, made their chrysalids, and emerged as adult butterflies.  What a thrill for 3 and 4 year olds.  For me too!!  Sometimes I still capture the caterpillars so I can see them emerge.  It's very exciting!!

 

Fennel is also delicious.  We add the berries (the plump, unripe seeds) to lots of things.  They are great with tomatoes, eggplant, in pasta salads, you name it.  If the flavor of licorice appeals to you, you need to grow fennel.  Come get the seeds and plant your own.  I love to share the garden's wealth.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!