Regardless, I liked the looks of dog fennel then — and still do. Dog fennel (Eupatorium capilliflorum) is a short-lived, 6-to-10-foot perennial that’s native from Massachusetts to Cuba.

Janet B. Carson. Janet B. Carson, a freelance writer, retired in 2018 from her 38-year career at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension.

Add fennel and leek and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, thyme sprigs, and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in wine, then add mussels.