Foeniculum vulgare • Class B

This licorice scented Mediterranean herb grows to a height of 4 to 10 feet tall. It has feathery, dark green to bronze colored leaves and umbrella shaped clusters of yellow flowers known as umbels. It blooms from July to September. 

Common fennel forms dense infestations that out compete native plants and reduces native wildlife habitat. Once established it is difficult to control, due to its strong competitive abilities and persistent seed bank. 

It is found in disturbed sites such as roadsides, embankments, and vacant lots. Also it easily colonizes grasslands and along waterways, wetlands, and streams. 

Mature fennel plants are difficult to remove due to the large tap roots which can reach depths of up to 10 feet. The plant can reestablish itself from small pieces of roots or bulbs. Bulbing fennel, (also known as Florence fennel, F. vulgare azoricum) does not pose a threat and is not an invasive problem or listed as a noxious weed in Washington or Pierce County.

Common Fennel easily escapes cultivation. A single plant can produce thousands of seed during its 1st year of growth, and more than 100,000 in subsequent years. 

When growing fennel, purchase only non-invasive, annual varieties of fennel. Also, be very careful when removing plants that have mature seed. Clip and bag the seed heads before you cut the plants, otherwise, you could accidently make the problem worse by   spreading seeds into other areas. Fennel germinates rapidly if the plants were allowed to seed in past seasons. 

• Small seedlings can be hand pulled when soil is soft or loose. Mature fennel plants are difficult to remove due to the long taproots. If the root breaks, remove the upper 3 to 6 inches. Cutting the root before the plant sets seeds reduces the number of re-sprouts. Cutting will not control common fennel unless it is done numerous times throughout the growing season prior to seed set and for at least 4 successive seasons. Mowing too early encourages numerous sprouts as well.

• Spot applications of herbicides containing glyphosate (as in Roundup Pro) can be effective in controlling common fennel. Apply when plants are actively growing and before they develop blooming stalks, usually before June. 

• When using herbicides, read and follow all label instructions and obey all label precautions. (Note: pesticide product registration is renewed annually and product names and formulations may vary from year to year.)  

• There are currently no known biological control agents available for Common Fennel. 

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