Plot & PetalField ManualAll plants
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Origin: Southern Europe and the Mediterranean
- Anise-Scented Herb
- Pollinator Magnet
Pet & Human Safety
People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them
Non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per ASPCA when consumed in small quantities as food: ASPCA notes to avoid concentrated fennel oil specifically, which is a different level of exposure than a pet nibbling garden foliage.
Poison control
If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.
Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.
Naturalist Lore
Historical Background & Breeding Lore
The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonCare
- Hardiness zones
4a - 9b (NC State Extension)
- Mature size
Can reach up to 4 ft tall when flowering.
- Family
Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.
Get the app: coming soonAnatomy & Guilds
Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics
How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonField Doctor
Field Doctor
What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.
Get the app: coming soonVintage Plates
Vintage Plates
Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.
Get the app: coming soon