Fennel Flower: Meaning, Symbolism, and Colors

Image Credits

The fennel flower is a bright yellow beautiful flower that looks breathtaking when it blooms. It has been famous among people for many years now not for its beauty, but also, for its medicinal and culinary purposes. Its history goes back to the times when it was used in the Mediterranean area where the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians used it extensively.

You must have heard the story of how Prometheus, one of the Titans and the God of fire, stole fire from the Gods and gifted it to mankind. According to Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire with the help of the Fennel plant. It is also mentioned that it was the large fennel plant that helped the Greek god Dionysus gain a huge number of followers and his Bacchanalian wands.

Fennel plants also grow vigorously. If you plant one fennel plant in your garden, you can find your whole garden filled with it in a few days. The fennel flower is also very aromatic and fertile. The plant is highly prolific as the herb is cross-pollinated with the help of wind or insects.

And how can you spot a fennel plant? The flowers of the fennel plant are bright yellow color and often found in the shape of an umbrella. This plant grows up to 8 feet and the stems are smooth and green-blue color. This plant is very fragile. Even the leaves of this plant are green-blue color and have a feathery appearance. It looks similar to dill herbs as the leaves are separated from each other with a narrow thin thread-like stem.

Although the flowers have a great smell, the leaves of this plant smell pungent. Fennel flowers also always bloom in clusters and form an umbrella-like shape. The scientific name of this bright attractive flower is Foeniculum Vulgare. It is also commonly known as Large Fennel, Sweet Fennel, Common Fennel, Fenkel, Wild Fennel, Hinojo, Bitter Fennel, Garden Fennel, Hinojo de Castillo, and Cilantrillo.

The Fennel flower meaning has its roots in the sweet smell it produces. It came from the French word “fenoil” which again came from the Latin word “foeniculum” meaning “hay”. The Greeks also called this flower marathon from the word “maraino” meaning to grow thin. You must have heard the name Battle of Marathon, which also meant the battle that took place on the plain with fennel flowers.

These days, you can find fennel flowers in almost every part of the world. Although this flower is native to the Mediterranean, these days, it has gained popularity in the Caribbean Islands, and North, Central, and South America. During the summer, this feathery, and delicate flower that is shaped like an umbrella can attract anyone passing by.

What does Fennel Flower symbolize?

Fennel flower meaning and symbolization have a great history behind it. This flower was first brought to Europe by Emperor Charlemagne. The reference to this flower can be vividly found in Italian folklore as well as Greek mythology. According to Greek mythology, Prometheus had also been bestowed with the gift of immortality by the fennel flower.

This flower was famous as a great gifting option and also as a medicine. Roman women used to consume this aromatic plant to reduce obesity. It was also used back then to improve eyesight and other such eye problems.

In medieval times, the fennel flower was also used to keep evil spirits away from one’s houses. It was often found hung at the doors with some other herbs to stop the entry of any kinds of ghosts into the house.

Fennel flower meaning and symbolism have an interesting history attached to them. The Greeks also identify the Fennel flower with strength and longevity. Fennel flower meaning will also be incomplete if we do not include courage in it. The Romans used to feed their soldiers with fennel tea before they went to a war symbolizing courage and bravery.

The famous English writer Shakespeare has also used the Fennel flower in his dramas to symbolize various emotions. Fennel flower meaning in one of the greatest plays means adultery and flattery. In Victorian times, the fennel flower also symbolizes strength.

Image Credits

What does the color of the Fennel flower mean?

Fennel flowers are not found in a variety of colors. They are usually yellow-colored small aromatic flowers that are very bright and have a specific meaning associated with them. Although the fennel flower typically signifies flattery, its bright yellow color also signifies joy. The color symbolizes happiness and prosperity.

If someone gives you fennel flowers, they consider you as their friend and have your best interests in their mind! The yellow color of this beautifully scented flower also increases the positive energy in whichever room they are kept in. Other than that, it also symbolizes success in every sphere of life.

Interesting facts and characteristics of the Fennel flower

Fennel flowers are immensely beautiful, but also have a few interesting facts and characteristics –

• Fennel herbs are also very famous all across the world. There are mainly two types of fennel herbs – sweet and bitter.
• Fennel flowers are grown from the fennel seeds. The seeds must be placed in well-drained soil with an adequate amount of sunshine.
• These plants are very fertile and grow vigorously once planted properly.
• You can expect fennel flowers to start blooming from 12 to 16 weeks of sowing.
• Every single part of the fennel plant – slower, stem, seeds, vegetables, etc. is edible.
• Fennel flowers are also used to add flavor to the food.
• This flower is also rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and can work as a detox when included in the diet.

Best time to gift someone Fennel flowers

There is absolutely no perfect time to gift someone fennel flowers. Fennel flowers are very attractive and bright and can be a great gifting option anytime you want. Since this flower signifies growth, positivity, and friendship, it can be gifted at a success party or even to cheer up someone.

This flower is also an embodiment of courage, so it can also be gifted to someone who is sick or going through a tough time. It will give them the courage and strength to fight the situation easily. Anyway, flowers are always a great gifting option and the fennel flower’s beautiful meaning makes it even more attractive.