FENNEL 'Sea' --Crithmum maritimum--

AKA "Rock Samphire", botanical synonyms Cachrys maritima and Crithmum canariense. Perennial aromatic herb around 1' tall in spreading clumps, with fleshy divided leaves and white or yellowish flowers. Developed on the seacoasts of Europe, but thrives in most sunny places. This herb, loved since at least medieval times, has been described as crisp, fresh, salty, citrus-like, warm, aromatic, and spicy. Great used in salads, with meat, as a cooked potherb, and the leaves and young seedpods can be salted, boiled, and covered with vinegar and spices to make pickles. Dried and ground leaves can be used as a salt substitute. Its habitat on sea cliffs prompted Shakespeare to write: "Half way down hangs one that gathers Samphire; dreadful trade!"—Shakespeare, King Lear. Thrives in rocky and poor soils that are sharply drained