A tall plant with yellow flowers from March to May, found only on the Maltese Islands. Until recent studies it was treated as Ferula communis.
Maltese giant fennel grows on disturbed rocky ground, steppe, derelict fields and the edges of footpaths. It flowers from March to May with yellow flowers.
The Online Flora of the Maltese Islands describes it as endemic: it occurs only on the Maltese Islands and not in the rest of Europe. Earlier it was known as Ferula communis, but recent studies showed it differs from that species and from Ferula tingitana in north Africa.
The plant is mildly toxic and can cause problems if eaten in large quantities. The reference site notes that it was not legally protected as of its August 2025 update.
How to help
Avoid eating any part of wild plants. Do not pick the plant unnecessarily.
Text: Online Flora of the Maltese Islands (Stephen Mifsud). Edited by the Editorial Team.
