Fennel, (Foeniculum vulgare (Mill.) L. and F. spp.) both bronze and green, are perennials in the garden, providing splendid additions to salads.  Try fennel seed in sauces, on pizza.  Roasted fennel seeds are a sub-continent Asia treatment for indigestion and flatulence.  (More) 
Cut this fennel just above the soil and cook with salmon.  If cut just above the soil you will not kill the plant.

A common plant in and around the coastal areas and foothills of southern California.  Early Spanish settlers spread fennel on the floors of homes and churches to exude a pleasant odor.

Plant is native to Mediterranean.