If we were to select a single plant species as a symbol of Sicilian spring flora it would have to be Giant Fennel or Ferla. In mid-spring Giant Fennel produces an impressive upright bloom stalk as much as 6ft (2m) tall from a basel clump of fine textured foliage. This large, vigorous perennial is easily confused with the edible Fennel, which also grows in the area. A simple identity test is to crush a small sample of leaves. Ferla or Giant Fennel lacks the unmistakable sweet aromatic odor of edible Fennel.
Scientific name: Ferula communis
Italian common name: Ferla, Ferula
English common name: Giant Fennel
