Dog fennel is a short-lived summer perennial. The leaves of dog fennel are divided into thread-like segments, giving a fern like appearance. The leaves will omit a foul odor. The stems of dog fennel are reddish in color, hairy and arise from a woody base. The flowers of dog fennel are small and white in color. The flowers are numerous and are borne on branched panicles. Dog fennel spreads by seed, and regrowth from the woody base. Dog fennel is found from New Jersey to south Florida, west to Texas and Arkansas.
Dog fennel usually does not do well in thick established turf. It does not tolerate low mowing due to its upright growth habit. It is usually found in low maintenance turf. Good fertility and cultural practices that encourage thicker turf will reduce dog fennel.
For optimum control, make your post-emergence herbicide application to dog fennel that is actively growing and in the seedling to flower stage of growth.