Angelica archangelica
( an - JELL - ik - uh ark - an - JELL - ik - uh )
At-A-Glance Information
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Also called Angelica, Wild Celery and Norwegian Angelica this biennial, fragrant flowering plant needs full sun in cool climates, partial shade elsewhere and regular water. It grows best in zones A2, A3, 1-10 and 14-24. It is native to northern Europe and western Asia, more specifically Greenland and mainland Europe over to western Siberia. It has a tropical look to it, with yellow leaves that reach 2-3 feet long. Thick, hollow 6-foot stems appear in early summer topped by a cluster 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, used in trading. In Icelandic law, it was a punishable crime to take Angelica from a plot that was not your own. It 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 this time.
Caring for angelica archangelica
These plants enjoy rich, moist soil and a spot in the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. If you live in an area that receives hot weather, the more shade you can provide your Angelica plant with the better. Plant your Angelica in the garden about two to four feet apart. If you are starting from seed, follow the instructions in the propagation section below, and then transplant your Angelica outdoors into the garden, or simply sow in place. Your Angelica plant will reach maturity in 80-90 days, but keep in mind that you will not be able to collect any seeds until its second year of life. You should make a habit of watering your plant from the base, as this will cut down on the chance that the plant will get any fungal diseases. Flowering stems should be cut soon after blooms expire to prolong the plant's life in that season. 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.
How To Harvest Angelica archangelica
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, or licorice. 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.
How To Harvest Angelica archangelica
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, or licorice. 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.
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 archangelica 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 archangelica 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 archangelica 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
Anemopsis californica is susceptible to the following issues:
- Aphids
- Leaf Miners
- Spider Mites
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
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