Umbelliferae Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
Source: Magness et al. 1971
This plant is an annual, grown for the thickened bulb-like leaf-stem bases. These make a bulb-like structure just above the ground, up to 3 or 4 inches long, and oval in cross section. By covering with soil, these are sometimes blanched. They have an aromatic and distinctive flavor, and are generally used as a boiled vegetable. Plants attain a height of 2 to 3 feet. In general habit, it is somewhat similar to celery.
Production in U.S.: No data. Limited.
Use: As cooked vegetable and raw as a salad.
Part of plant consumed: Thickened leaf-stem bases.