fennel, Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel is sort of one of those plants the human race grew up with. Originally from the Mediterranean area, we would have encountered it early in our history. From there our common ranges have expanded around the globe. Can you picture being the first to encounter the strong aroma of fennel? How could you possibly resist a gnosh? It also seems to be our nature to find medicinal uses for aromatic herbs. Among the many problems fennel has been put to use for is as a carminative. Makes sense? First a spicy gnosh, then a carminative? With us fennel has now been found wild in AZ, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, AB, BC, ON, and QC. Beal Gardens MSU, 7/26/14.