Angelica

Common names	Angelica, archangel
Latin name	Angelica archangelica
Life cycle	Perennial biennial
Height	5' in flower; foliage is basal rosette 16-18"
Space	12-24" apart
Bloom	June-July
Light	Partial shade
Soil	Rich, moist, well-drained
Feature	Attracts bees

Culinary
All parts of the plant are useful. Fresh leaves can be used in salads, soups, stews, or as a garnish. Dried leaves can be used to make a delicate tea. The stems can be used to flavor roast pork or cooked with rhubarb to reduce tartness. Candied angelica stems have been eaten for years. The Laplanders traditionally used the hollow stems and flower stalks in prepare dishes. The seeds are used to make herbal tea, which is said to aid digestion when taken after dinner.

Medicinal
Both roots and seeds are know to make a good digestive tonic for treating lack of appetite, poor digestion, and flatulence. Putting crushed angelica leaves in car interiors may reduce motion sickness. Angelica used in baths is said to calm the nerves.

Ornamental
Angelica somewhat resembles celery and has a similar fragrance. It makes a striking border plant because of the height and globe-shaped flower umbels. The seed heads may be dried for use in dried arrangements. You can add dried leaves to potpourris. The seeds and small pieces of dried roots can be burned as incense to freshen a musty room.

Culture
Angelica grows best in a moist, partially shaded site. Angelica dies after flowering and producing one crop of seeds. Flowering and seed production occurs the second or third year, but the cycle is disrupted by cutting the flower stalks every year before seeds form. This effectively makes the plant perennial. Angelica is a good source of nectar and attracts bees.

Harvest
Young stem and leaves are generally harvested during spring in the second year, but can be harvested anytime. The stems and leaves are usually consumed fresh. The leaves can be dried and used as a tea. Angelica roots are generally harvested during fall of the second year. The roots should be dug carefully to avoid breakage and washed. They should be dried at temperatures of 115F or less. Harvest the seed heads just before the seeds shatters.

Warning
Angelica is generally considered safe in small doses, but some authorities say it should be avoided entirely. Avoid prolonged sun exposure if using angelica for a fairly long time. Angelica should not be used during pregnancy. Wild angelica closely resembles deadly poisonous water hemlock and the two plants can hybridize if growing in the same location.

Other Common Names
European angelica, garden angelica, Holy Ghost, root of the Holy Ghost, wild parsnip

References


Bremness, L.  1994.  The Eyewitness Handbook of Herbs.  DK Publishing, Inc., New York,
	NY.  pages 260-261.

Carlson, M.  2000.  Herbs for the Pacific Northwest. Steller Press Limited, Vancouver, 
	British Columbia.  pages 89-89.

Clevely, A. and K. Richmond. 1995  The Complete Book of Herbs.  Smithmark Publishers, 
	New York, NY.  page 75.

Kowalchik, C. and W. H. Hylton.  1998  Rodales's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. 
	Rodale Press, Inc.,  Emmaus, PA.  pages 10-13.

Pahlow, M.  1993  Healing Plants.    Barron's Educational Series, Inc, Hauppauge, NY.
	pages 130-40.

Small, E.  1997.  Culinary Herbs.  NRC Research Press, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. 
	pages 109-114.

Sunset Books and Sunset Magazine editors.  1995.  Herbs  Sunset Publishing Corporation,
	Menlo Park,  CA.  page 35.

Go to Annuals List
Go to Herbs List
Go to Perennials List
Go to Home