Weed or Plant???

**Mellt13** · 14-08-2011, 05:39pm

Hi Ladies

I pulled up this massive plant/weed out of my garden earlier today but was wondering what it might be.

It had a root on it which smelled like a parsnip (well a little bit), but when I pulled it out I got an extremely strong smell of aniseed. I think the leaves/flower type things on it smelt like that.

Any idea what it might be?? I haven't planted any parsnips - the only thing I had planted near was shallots and onions. It was about 3 ft high as well.

Must do my weeding more often

Thanks ladies

**Nom de Plume** · 14-08-2011, 05:48pm

That sounds like it might be fennel. It's not technically a weed, obviously, but it is prolific and will take off around the garden if you let it.

**suemarie** · 14-08-2011, 06:10pm

It sounds like fennel to me too, were they fur like/ferny than actual leaf shape

**Mellt13** · 14-08-2011, 06:30pm

Thanks NDP and SM

Originally Posted by suemarie

It sounds like fennel to me too, were they fur like/ferny than actual leaf shape

Yes they were like ferny fur like - so maybe it is fennel. Does it have a route. Which bits can I use still have it in the garden but obviously not planted :-0)

It has just appeared - does it sometimes do that? Also there seems to be an awful amount of stinging nettles appeared as well. Could this be because I have taken a huge fir tree out which had died, and then planted vegetables in the area. I am a very amateur gardener.

**Mellt13** · 14-08-2011, 06:32pm

The below should read root!!

Originally Posted by Mellt13

Thanks NDP and SM

Yes they were like ferny fur like - so maybe it is fennel. Does it have a route. (that should read root) Which bits can I use still have it in the garden but obviously not planted :-0)

It has just appeared - does it sometimes do that? Also there seems to be an awful amount of stinging nettles appeared as well. Could this be because I have taken a huge fir tree out which had died, and then planted vegetables in the area. I am a very amateur gardener.

**Nom de Plume** · 15-08-2011, 02:40pm

It could have been that you disturbed some deeply buried dormant seeds when you removed the tree. Poppies will do that too, suddenly grow in newly dug over earth (hence the poppy fields after WW1) . Have a google for fennel and you'll see how you can use the root if you want. Also you should get some pics coming up to confirm what it is. I hate the taste of the stuff so can't really advise on cooking!