Angelica
( an - JELL - ik - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Angelica, this genus includes biennial, fragrant flowering plants which need full sun in cool climates, partial shade elsewhere and regular water to perform well. Species are native to temperate and sub-arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They have a tropical look to them, with yellow-green leaves that reach 2-3 feet long. Thick, hollow 6-foot stems appear in summer topped by clusters of greenish-yellow flowers. Leaves are great additions to salads, and the leafstalks can be cooked and eaten, similar to Asparagus. Both leafstalks and flowers stems can be candied and used to decorate pastries. Seeds are used commercially to flavor wines, vermouths, and liquors. Because of its similarity in appearance to some poisonous plants, it should not be consumed until it has been identified with absolute certainty.
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This plant has a long history of use. As early as the 9th century, it was considered an important commodity and under Icelandic law, it was a punishable crime to take Angelica from a plot that was not your own. The genus gets its name from the legend of a 14th-century monk who was visited in a dream by an Angel, who told him that Angelica would cure the Plague. Afterwards, the plant was revered in all of its parts as a way to ward of evil spirits, witches, and harmful spells, as well as being a deterrent and cure for the Black Death. This reputation was continued by royalty into the 1600s, where it was published by the Royal College of Physicians as a cure for the plague when taken twice a day as a drink (mixed with nutmeg and treacle). Angelica archangelica was referred to as the 'herb of the sun' by 17th century British herbalist Nicholas Culpeper. The candied roots and stems of this plant were popular treats in England at that time.
Angelica Species and Varietals
The genus Angelica includes 90 species and is a member of the plant family Apiaceae. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-10 and 14-24. Growing zones vary somewhat depending on the species cultivated; for more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Angelica acutiloba (Toki, Dong Dang Gui, Dong Quai) These plants are native to Japan, and are widely cultivated in China, Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Leaves are deeply lobed and green, and flowers are white. Individual plants grow to under three feet tall when mature. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. |
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Angelica archangelica (Angelica, Garden Angelica, Wild Celery, Norwegian Angelica, Archangel, Holy Ghost) These biennial plants are native to Europe, and are widely cultivated for their sweetly-scented shoots and roots. In the first year, they produce foliage, and in their second, fluted flowering stems can reach up to over 8 feet tall. Flowers are yellow to greenish-yellow and bloom in umbels. Fruits that follow are light yellow. Best in USDA growing zones 4-9. |
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Angelica arguta (Lyall's Angelica, White Angelica, Sharp-Toothed Angelica) This species is native to western North America, where it grows in coniferous forested areas. These plants grow from taproots, and are perennials with triangular leaves and stout stems topped with inflorescences of white to creamy yellow flowers. Lyall's Angelica grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-7. |
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Angelica atropurpurea (Purplestem Angelica, Great Angelica, American Angelica, High Angelica, Masterwort, Alexanders) These plants are found in moist, swampy woodland areas in eastern North America. The species is perennial, and forms 6-foot tall, sturdy branching purple-red stems and compound leaves. Flowers are white to greenish and bloom in late spring through early summertime. These plants do well when cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. |
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Angelica capitellata (Sphenosciadium capitellatum) (Woolyhead Parsnip, Ranger's Buttons, Button Parsley, Swamp White Heads) This species forms a stout perennial plant growing from a tuberous root system, and often reaches over 3.5 feet tall when mature. It is native to western North America, and grows in moist habitats, such as creek sides and meadows. These plants do well in USDA growing zones 5a-10b. |
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Angelica gigas (Korean Angelica, Giant Angelica, Purple Parsnip, Dangquai) This species forms a biennial or short-lived perennial plant, and is native to China and Korea, where it lives in forests, grasslands, and along streambanks. Roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Individual plants reach up to 6.5 feet tall when mature, and produce dark purple flower umbels that bloom from July through August. Korean Angelica grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. |
Caring for angelica
Angelica plants are typically grown from seed, though they can be found from time to time as starts from a reputable nursery. Space plants about 2-4 feet apart for best coverage and airflow. Plant your Angelica where it receives full sun to partial shade; ideally, they appreciate around 6 hours of sun each day for the best overall growth. In particularly warm climates, give them some late afternoon shade when temperatures are at their peak. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.5 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants appreciate consistently moist soils. As a general rule of thumb, irrigate whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Flowering stems should be cut soon after blooms expire to prolong the plant's life in their second year. These plants do not need any additional pruning. Angelica plants will not always last more than one season, and definitely not last more than two; Angelica plants produce seeds after the second year and will expire afterwards. These are not long-lived plants in the landscape; they are biennial, meaning they will produce foliage and stems in their first year and flowers and seeds in their second, and then will need to be pulled, composted and replaced the following spring.
How To Harvest Angelica
Angelica plants are typically ready to be harvested between 80 and 90 days from sowing. The leaves and stalks of these plants are best used when they are young; they are more tender and appetizing at this stage. The roots, young stems, leaves, and seeds are all edible and have a flavor similar to Anise. The leaves can be mixed into salads, the shoots can be used like celery or candied, and the leaves, seeds and roots can be used to make tea.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Flowering stems should be cut soon after blooms expire to prolong the plant's life in their second year. These plants do not need any additional pruning. Angelica plants will not always last more than one season, and definitely not last more than two; Angelica plants produce seeds after the second year and will expire afterwards. These are not long-lived plants in the landscape; they are biennial, meaning they will produce foliage and stems in their first year and flowers and seeds in their second, and then will need to be pulled, composted and replaced the following spring.
How To Harvest Angelica
Angelica plants are typically ready to be harvested between 80 and 90 days from sowing. The leaves and stalks of these plants are best used when they are young; they are more tender and appetizing at this stage. The roots, young stems, leaves, and seeds are all edible and have a flavor similar to Anise. The leaves can be mixed into salads, the shoots can be used like celery or candied, and the leaves, seeds and roots can be used to make tea.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Propagation
Angelica plants produce seeds after two years of life, and can be propagated easily from seed as soon as they ripen in late summer or early fall. Sow seeds in place, as these plants do not transplant well. Space them 2-4 feet apart.
Propagating Angelica by Root Division
This method of propagation can be completed during two times: either during the fall of their first year of growing as they are starting to go into their winter dormancy period, or in their second year of life during springtime before the plant has started to flower. If you are planning on harvesting your plant, you may want to choose to propagate your Angelica using a different method, as your plant will really benefit from being allowed to grow large naturally and unimpeded. To complete this method of propagation, you'll need a clean shovel, clean pruning saw (optional), extra pots if you are not going to immediately plant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil to fill the pots. Gather your supplies, and then follow these instructions:
Propagating Angelica by Root Division
This method of propagation can be completed during two times: either during the fall of their first year of growing as they are starting to go into their winter dormancy period, or in their second year of life during springtime before the plant has started to flower. If you are planning on harvesting your plant, you may want to choose to propagate your Angelica using a different method, as your plant will really benefit from being allowed to grow large naturally and unimpeded. To complete this method of propagation, you'll need a clean shovel, clean pruning saw (optional), extra pots if you are not going to immediately plant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil to fill the pots. Gather your supplies, and then follow these instructions:
- Identify the area of plants you're going to divide. Cut the foliage down to about 12-18 inches above the ground to make this process easier.
- Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the roots. Once you've gotten your clump out of the ground, lay it out on its side. As an alternative, you can also simply split your existing plant down the middle while it is in the ground, leaving half in the ground and bringing the other half out. This is a delicate process whichever way you decide to complete it, because these plants do not do well when their taproots are disturbed or damaged.
- Divide the clump into two or three segments, either with your shovel or with a pruning saw and lay them out on the ground.
- If you will be planting your Angelica in the ground, this is when you'll prepare your new hole. In a sunny location with well-draining soil or in a prepared container of potting soil, dig a hole large and deep enough to accommodate the taproot and root ball in the ground with your shovel. If you are planting more than one divided plant, ensure that you are spacing them about 18-24 inches apart. Backfill and water generously.
Angelica archangelica seed pods, still attached to the flower head and ready to be harvested.
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Angelica archangelica seeds.
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This is what an Angelica archangelica root looks like. These roots can be divided and transplanted, or harvested for use.
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Problems and Pests
Angelica plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Aphids
- Slugs and Snails
- Spider Mites
- Powdery Mildew
- Root Rot
- Leaf Spot
Gallery
Angelica archangelica is used to flavor the liquor Chartreuse.
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The stalks of Angelica archangelica can be candied and consumed as a sweet treat.
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A botanical illustration of Angelica archangelica.
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Videos
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How to harvest Angelica root.
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Using Angelica in permaculture.
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Resources
How to Propagate Angelica
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 153, Angelica archangelica
