Fennel

Family: Apiaceae
Scientific name: Foeniculum vulgare
Description: Plant Form: Erect multi-stemmed perennial herb. Size: Up to 2 m tall. Stem: Robust, stiped or ridged lengthwise, with a white spongey pith inside. Leaves: 30-50 cm long, repeatedly dissected to the point of looking wispy and feathery. With strong aniseed smell when crushed. Flowers: Compound of smaller umbrella-shaped arrangements 10-30 flowers in circular arrangements on stalks. With tiny yellow petals giving greenish-yellow appearance. Fruit and Seeds: 4-7 mm long with 2 flattened sections which have 5 prominent ribs. Habitat: Coastal scrub, riparian areas, rocky areas, railway lines, roadsides, drains, open woodlands. Distinguishing Features: Distinguished from Hemlock (Conium maculatum) and Wild carrot (Daucus carota) by yellow rather than white flowers, and aniseed smell. Weed Status: Priority Weed Weed Type: Environmental, Common, Invasive Garden Escapee Lifeform: Herbaceous

Example images for this weed