Family: Asteraceae
Common name: Dog fennel, Dogfennel, Thoroughwort
Dogfennel is a small but significant herbaceous plants that are native to North and Central America, but can now be found in some Asian countries as well. They are seen on roadsides and pasturelands, growing vigorously, affecting the growth of other saplings and crops.
Plant characteristics
These plants can grow to a height of 100-200 cm with a dense fibrous root system that produces several slender, erect stems. The stem is green, erect, and branched, producing a thick foliage of finely dissected, leaves.
The fine thread-like leaves look very elegant and delicate and also have a strong, distinctive smell when crushed or bruised. Though the plant is mostly known for its leaves, Dog fennel plants also produce small white flowers in dense clusters.
These flowers are very tiny, but look pretty when they bloom together in bunches. Dog fennel leaves contain poisonous alkaloids and are hence not preferred by grazing animals.
But the flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees, insects, butterflies, and ants that help pollinate them. Dog fennel plants also produce small fruits that contain a single seed. Seed dispersal is by wind or small animals.
Gardening tips
These plants are grown as an ornamental plants because of their beautiful feathery leaves and elegant appearance. They prefer bright sunlight and well-drained soil. Dog fennel plants are relatively low-maintenance and do not need much fertilization.
Regular watering is required when the plant is smaller, and also during summer months. Pruning the plant can prevent it from becoming thin and leggy.
These plants have some anti-fungal properties, and are also used as insect repellents because of the strong odor. The leaves are poisonous and should not be consumed by humans or pets.
But they are eaten by the Scarlet-bodied wasp moths that store the poison in its body to ward of predators. Dog fennels plants are considered invasive especially in pasture lands that are undisturbed. They can grow from small pieces of stem that are left in the soil.
The seeds are carried long distances in the wind making it difficult to control the growth and propagation of this plant. But these plants can help in stabilizing the soil to prevent soil erosion because of the dense roots.
Propagation is through seeds, stem cuttings, or root division
Photographed at: Thrissur, Kerala
