Dog-Fennel

A tall, graceful clump-forming species of disturbed areas and abandoned fields, this plant produces relatively non-showy white flowers (Aug-Sept) which turn to fine tufts of wind-distributed seeds. Leaves are extremely fine and fern-like, creating a delicate, feathery look despite this plant's very sturdy stems, and are aromatic (the scent is unpleasant to some) when crushed. Tolerates drought, occasional flooding, deer and rabbit pressure, and tends to prefer disturbed areas. The flowers are quite attractive to honeybees and native bees, and this species is also a host plant for the Scarlet-Bodied Wasp Moth (Cosmosoma myrodora , a moth, not a wasp) in the south. Although this plant is sometimes mistaken for actual fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), they are in entirely different families, and cannot be used interchangeably; in fact, Dog-Fennel contains alkaloid compounds that would damage the human liver if ingested. The roots of this plant are extremely vigorous once established, which helps it make the most of the disturbed habitats it prefers, and it seeds in readily when growing in favorable conditions. The leaves of this plant have been used to create fungicides and insecticides, and have even been used as a mosquito repellent when crushed. Although this plant is widely considered rather weedy due to its tendency to seed in and act as a pioneer species, it is not truly invasive, as it is a native plant, and is actually quite beautiful during much of the year due to its densely-growing graceful, feathery leaves.

3-12 foot tall
Plant Hardiness Zones: 7a-11a
Perennial
Deer Resistant

Native Range: NJ south to FL, west to TX, OK, MO, KY, WV, and PA. Also Present in MA. Considered rare in NJ.

Germination - Easy: Cold stratify 8 weeks. Surface sow or cover seed lightly.

Dog-Fennel Seed Packet $5.00

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