I find this to be a very stately plant, particularly the bronze form with its billowy copper fronds. It self-seeds but I like to pull the young seedlings for that fresh anise scent (be sure to pull seedlings before they get too big, as it has a long tap root). Fennel seed, leaves, and root are used both for culinary and medicinal purposes. Strangely, one of my herb books notes that chewing fennel seed will banish hunger, while another notes that a leaf infusion will accelerate the digestion of fatty food, thus a help in weight loss. Apparently good for the gut one way or the other. I have not used this herb personally, so can't speak to any of the claims. It is a beautiful plant, though, and well worth growing. Be cautious about growing it too close to dill, as they may cross-pollinate. This is also a very good host plant for various insects.

It's a host for Black Swallowtail caterpillars.

I grew the bronze fennel from seed a few years ago keep means ng to replant it but always forget.
It is used in gripe water for infants.

It is a perennial plant, isn't it? Anyone know it's minimum temperature? Or is it best to treat as an annual?

Our database indicates it is a perennial. Rodale's Herb Book states "it is a biennial with a tendency to become a perennial where soil and climate are favorable." I have only planted mine once and always have plants in the same general spot as the prior year, PLUS seedlings here and there where the wind has sown the seed. I am not sure if my returning plants are new seedlings, 2nd year biennials, or if my circumstances allow for it to be perennial. I can't put my finger on the zone requirements, but I am in Zone 8 and my sister is in Zone 5 and it is hardy for both of us, so you should be OK. It's certainly worth a try, I love the anise aroma and feathery fronds.

Mine didn't survive my husband and his weedeater.
I'm in zone 6

Ah, Mindy, how well I know that struggle... Whenever I introduce a new shrub to our driveway border, I diligently mark it with a stake, but then simply pat it on the head and say 'good luck' for that very reason!

I have bronze fennel here in zone 5 and it is a perennial here . I have a tendency to loose the large clumps at about year 6 . I think the clump just gets too large and maybe the snow ice gets to the root tops and rots them. There are always new volunteers to replace them .

I know I made a comment in the database about this : but beware if you grow fennel it will cross with dill and make your dill seed not produce ''good'' dill .

Margaret, What is gripe water? just curious. never heard of it. nell

It is what they call the drops or water doctors prescribe for the colic in babies.
Another herb used in it with fennel is ginger.

(Not being a

Some use Anise also.