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.
