Giant Fennel
Ferula glauca
Carrot family (Apiaceae)
A fiery appearance
The giant fennel is an impressive plant with a height of 4 meters and a width of up to one meter. This species originates from the Mediterranean area where it is a true sun worshiper. The plant resembles a huge fennel with its delicate, three or more pinnately divided leaves. The yellow flowers are arranged in spherical umbels on branched flower stalks.
With a little imagination when in full bloom this fennel conjures up an image of fireworks. The pith, removed from the stem and dried, is very combustible and in the past was often used to start a fire.
In ancient times the Greeks used it as a burning torch. Using its slow burning stem Prometheus is believed to have taken the fire he had stolen from the gods, and gave it to the people.
Themes
Crown jewel in the Alkmaar Botanic Garden.
Details
| Description: | Herb, 2-4 m tall with filmy, blue-green leaves |
|---|---|
| Distributions: | Mediterranean |
| Habitat: | Arid stony slopes, on sites disturbed by human activity such as building sites |
| Year cycle: | Perennial (polycarpic decidous) |
| Hardiness: | Colder than -4 f (very hardy) |
| Flowering period: | Juni - augustus |
| Flower color: | Yellow |
| At its best: | Juni - augustus |