Sweet Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare dulce

Physical Characteristics

Foeniculum vulgare dulce is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

A cultivar of F. vulgare.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Stem Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[52]. A delicious aniseed flavour[183], the young leaves are best since older ones soon become tough. They are often used as a garnish on raw or cooked dishes or added to salads[183]. The leaves are difficult to store dried[200]. Leaf stalks and flower heads - raw or cooked[14, 37, 52, 183]. An aniseed flavour[K]. The aromatic seeds are used as a flavouring in cakes, bread, stuffings etc[2, 4, 5, 21, 27, 183]. The sprouted seeds can be added to salads[183]. An essential oil from the seed is used as a food flavouring in similar ways to the whole seed[1, 46, 183]. Root - cooked[53]. The flavour is somewhat parsnip-like. The leaves or the seeds can be used to make a herb tea[16, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antiinflammatory Antispasmodic Aromatic Carminative Diuretic Emmenagogue Expectorant Galactogogue Hallucinogenic Stimulant Stomachic Urinary Fennel is a commonly used household remedy, being useful in the treatment of a variety of complaints, especially those of the digestive system. The seeds, leaves and roots can be used, but the seeds are most active medicinally and are the part normally used[4]. An essential oil is often extracted from the seed for medicinal use, though it should not be given to pregnant women[4, 238]. The plant is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactogogue, hallucinogenic, laxative, stimulant and stomachic[4, 7, 9, 21, 147, 165, 176, 192, 238]. Fennel is often added to purgatives in order to allay their tendency to cause gripe, and also to improve the flavour[4]. An infusion of the root is used to treat urinary disorders[238]. An essential oil obtained from the seed is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Normalising'[210]. The essential oil is bactericidal, carminative and stimulant[218]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity[222].

Known Hazards

Skin contact with the sap or essential oil is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[218, 222]. Ingestion of the oil can cause vomiting, seizures and pulmonary oedema[222].