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Garden Angelica

Angelica archangelica

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Apiales
Family:
Apiaceae (Carrot)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Biennial or Perennial
Maximum Size:
2 metres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, hedgerows, riverbanks, riversides, roadsides, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, 5 petals
 
Yellowish-green flowers, appearing in rounded umbels measuring 5 to 7cm across. 5 stamens per flower. Pollinated by insects.
Fruit:
Oval, flattened fruits with corky wings, measuring 6 to 8mm long. The seeds ripen in August and September.
Leaves:
An erect perennial with 2 to 3-pinnate leaves. Each leaf measure up to 60cm (24 inches) in length. Hollow, green stems (occasionally purple). Biennial.
Aroma:
The fruits of Garden Angelica are aromatic and smell like celery.
Other Names:
Angel's Fishing Rod, Archangel, Aunt Jericho, Ground Ash, Holy Ghost, Norwegian Angelica, Root of the Holy Ghost, St Michael's Flower.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Angelica archangelica, also known as angelica or European angelica, is a biennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It belongs to the carrot family and is known for its tall, umbrella-shaped clusters of small, white or green flowers and large, lobed leaves. Angelica archangelica is a tall plant that can reach heights of up to 6 feet (2 meters) and is often used as a border plant or in naturalized areas. It is easy to grow and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and climates. Angelica archangelica prefers partial shade to full sun and is drought-tolerant once established. The plant is generally hardy and low maintenance, but it can be prone to pests such as slugs and snails. Angelica archangelica is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and to determine the safety and effectiveness of using it medicinally.

Blog

Garden Angelica, also known as Angelica archangelica, is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It is known for its tall, striking appearance and its delicate, white flowers that bloom in the summer.

The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall, with large, lobed leaves and umbels of small, white flowers. It prefers damp, shady areas and can be found in wetlands and along stream banks.

Garden Angelica has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The roots, stems, leaves, and seeds of the plant have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Garden Angelica is also valued for its culinary uses. The stems, leaves, and seeds of the plant can be used to flavor a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and pickles. The stems can also be candied and used as a decoration or as a sweet treat.

Growing Garden Angelica in your own garden can be a bit challenging as it requires a moist, shady area and a rich soil. It is also a slow grower and may take several years to reach its full size. However, with proper care, it can be a beautiful and useful addition to any garden.

In addition to its medicinal and culinary uses, Garden Angelica is also known for its spiritual and ceremonial significance. It has been used in traditional folk medicine and in rituals and ceremonies for centuries. The plant is said to have protective and healing properties, and is often associated with angels and the archangel Michael.

Garden Angelica is also known for its essential oil, which is extracted from the leaves and stems of the plant. The oil is used in perfumes, soaps, and other personal care products, and is known for its soothing and calming properties. It is also used in aromatherapy to help relieve stress and anxiety.

When harvesting Garden Angelica, it is important to note that the plant should be harvested in the second year of growth, when it is in full bloom. The leaves and stems should be harvested in the morning, when the essential oils are at their highest concentration. It's also important to harvest sustainably, taking only what is needed and leaving enough for the plant to regrow.

In summary, Garden Angelica is a versatile and valuable herb that has a wide range of uses. It is known for its medicinal, culinary, spiritual and ceremonial properties. It's a plant that can be a great addition to any garden, not only for its beauty but also for its practical and spiritual benefits.

Another important aspect to consider when growing and using Garden Angelica is its propagation. The plant can be propagated through seeds, root cuttings, or division.

Sowing the seeds is the most common method of propagation, and it should be done in the fall or early spring. They need to be stratified (exposed to cold) before sowing, in order to break the seed's dormancy, and then they should be sown in seed trays or pots filled with seed compost.

Root cuttings can be taken in the autumn, when the plant is dormant. Cuttings should be made from healthy, mature roots, and should be about 4 inches long. They can be planted directly into the soil in a propagator or covered with a plastic bag.

Dividing the root ball is another method of propagating Garden Angelica. This can be done in the autumn, when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the entire plant, and using a sharp knife, divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good amount of roots and leaves. Replant the divisions in a suitable location.

In conclusion, Garden Angelica is a unique and valuable herb that has a wide range of uses. It is known for its medicinal, culinary, spiritual and ceremonial properties. It's a plant that can be a great addition to any garden, not only for its beauty but also for its practical and spiritual benefits. It can be propagated through seeds, root cuttings, or division, and with proper care and attention, it can thrive in any garden.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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