Saturday, August 29, 2009

Sweet Fennel Plants, Topanga, Santa Monica Mtns

Sweet Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare is found along roadsides, esp. closer to the Ocean. It blooms May-Sept. Originally a Mediterranean native, it has now made California its home. It has a pronounced odor and taste similar to licorice or anise. Leaves can be used in cooking, but care must be taken not to confuse Sweet Fennel with Poison Hemlock, since they resemble each other when not in bloom. In Spanish days, Sweet Fennel was spread on the mission floors for a pleasant scent.

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