Garden Angelica Angelica archangelica
ABOUT
Angelica archangelica, commonly known as garden angelica, is an impressive perennial herb that exudes a unique charm in the landscape. It is characterized by its lush, deeply lobed leaves that are rich green in color and exude an aromatic scent upon being crushed. These leaves are divided into multiple leaflets that are further serrated on the edges, giving them a feather-like appearance. The foliage grows in a formation that creates a bushy appearance. The plant is well-known for its striking flower stalks, which bear large, rounded clusters of tiny florets. These flower clusters, often referred to as umbels, are a creamy white to pale green color and are held aloft on thick, hollow stems that can sometimes have a tinge of purple. The umbels create a dramatic, dome-like shape and provide visual interest. Garden angelica also harbors spherical, ribbed seeds after the flowers have bloomed and contribute to the plant's reproductive cycle. The overall structure and the way its components are arranged give it an architectural quality, making garden angelica a distinctive and attractive plant in gardens and natural areas.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Angelica, Holy Ghost, Wild Celery, Norwegian Angelica
Common names
Archangelica officinalis Hoffm., Angelica sativa Mill., Archangelica glauca Edgew.
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Angelica is generally not considered toxic to humans when used appropriately. However, the plant contains furocoumarins, which can cause photosensitivity. If individuals handle the leaves and then expose their skin to sunlight, they may develop a skin reaction known as phytophotodermatitis, which can cause inflammation, blisters, and skin discoloration. Ingesting large quantities of its essential oils could be harmful and lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and nervous system problems, but generally, it is not toxic when consumed as a food or medicinal herb in moderate amounts.
To pets
For pets, Garden Angelica is not typically listed as a toxic plant. There is limited information regarding its toxicity in domestic animals, but it is generally considered to be of low toxicity. The same compounds that may cause photosensitivity in humans, such as furocoumarins, could potentially affect pets if they come into contact with the plant's sap and are then exposed to sunlight. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, especially the essential oils, they might experience gastrointestinal upset or central nervous system effects, although such cases are rare. It is always advisable to monitor pets and prevent them from eating large quantities of any plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Greenish-white
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
2.5 feet (0.76 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Northern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Flavoring Agent: The stems and seeds of Angelica are used to flavor liqueurs and spirits, adding a sweet and earthy taste.
- Aromatic Qualities: The plant has a pleasant, musky aroma that makes it useful in perfumery and aromatherapy.
- Culinary Uses: Young Angelica leaves can be used in salads or as a seasoning, while the stems are often candied and used as decoration or dessert ingredient.
- Gardening and Landscaping: Angelica is an attractive addition to gardens, with its tall, statuesque stalks and umbel-shaped clusters of flowers.
- Companion Planting: In agriculture, Angelica can be used as a companion plant to attract beneficial insects, like pollinators, to the garden.
- Cultural Significance: The plant has various historical and cultural uses in folklore and is associated with religious symbolism and festivities in some cultures.
Medical Properties- Carminative: It can help relieve flatulence and gastrointestinal tract spasms.
- Diaphoretic: Promotes sweating and can help reduce fever.
- Expectorant: Helps loosen and expel phlegm from the respiratory tract.
- Diuretic: Increases the rate of urination to remove waste from the body.
- Antispasmodic: It may alleviate muscle spasms or cramps.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and can be used to treat conditions such as arthritis.
- Stimulant: It is traditionally used to stimulate the circulation or energy levels within the body.
- Hepatoprotective: May protect the liver from damage and support liver health.
- Emmenagogue: Thought to stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus, sometimes used to induce menstruation.
- Anxiolytic: Might have a calming effect, potentially reducing anxiety and stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Angelica archangelica is used in the flavoring of certain alcoholic beverages, such as chartreuse and gin, contributing its unique aroma and taste.
- The stems of Angelica archangelica can be candied and used as decorative and flavorful confectionery for desserts or as a unique garnish in various culinary dishes.
- In some cultures, the seeds of the plant are used as a spice in cooking, similar to how caraway or fennel would be utilized.
- The dried leaves of Angelica archangelica can be incorporated into potpourris or sachets to impart a pleasant fragrance to linens and clothing.
- The plant is utilized in the craft of making natural dyes, where different parts can yield green or yellow shades for coloring textiles.
- Fishing enthusiasts in certain regions use the strong scent of Angelica archangelica roots to bait their hooks, especially for catching fish like catfish and pike.
- In the art of perfumery, Angelica archangelica's oil is added to perfumes for its musky, earthy fragrance that acts as a natural base note.
- Gardeners cultivate Angelica archangelica as an ornamental plant because of its tall structure and attractive, umbrella-like flowers which add height and visual interest to garden beds.
- Some beekeepers place Angelica archangelica near their hives as its flowers are a good source of nectar, helping to encourage pollinator activity and support honey production.
- Folk musicians historically crafted flutes and pipe instruments from the hollow stems of Angelica archangelica due to their natural resonance and ready availability.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAngelica is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAngelica is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Angelica has been traditionally associated with protection due to its purported ability to ward off negative energy and evil spirits.
- Healing: With its history of use in folk medicine, Angelica symbolizes health and the healing of physical ailments.
- Spirituality: The name 'Angelica' suggests a connection to angels and the divine, representing spiritual purity and a link to higher powers.
- Inspiration: The plant's ties to the Archangel Michael may imply that it stands for inspiration and guidance, especially in times of trouble.
- Enlightenment: As Angelica is said to bloom on the feast of the Apparition of Archangel Michael, it is also a symbol of enlightenment and divine revelation.
WaterGarden Angelica typically requires consistent moisture and should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not water-logged. It is best to water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water which is roughly equivalent to 0.62 to 0.93 gallons for an average-sized plant. Ensure that the water penetrates the soil to reach the deeper roots. During hot or dry spells, increase the frequency of watering to maintain adequate soil moisture. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water.
LightGarden Angelica thrives in a spot that offers full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect the plant from intense midday heat. Adequate light is crucial for healthy growth and development, so ensure the plant receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal performance.
TemperatureGarden Angelica is resilient in a range of temperatures, but it grows best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the maximum temperature should not exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods. This plant is hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures well, making it suitable for cooler climates as long as the temperature extremes are within the mentioned range.
PruningGarden Angelica should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged stalks and to promote air circulation within the plant. Pruning is often carried out in late fall or early spring before new growth starts. It's not necessary to prune this plant annually unless there is a need to shape the plant or remove unhealthy parts. The best time for pruning is after the plant has flowered if you are not harvesting the seeds, as Angelica is a biennial and dies back after seeding.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Angelica, commonly known as Garden Angelica, should be moist, fertile, loamy, and well-draining with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost to provide the nutrients necessary for growth.
RepottingGarden Angelica typically does not need frequent repotting as it is a biennial plant. It is often grown from seed, and mature plants may only need repotting if they outgrow their container or exhibit signs of poor health due to root-bound conditions.
Humidity & MistingGarden Angelica thrives in outdoor conditions with natural humidity levels. It does not require high humidity environments and can adapt to the ambient humidity found in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Garden Angelica indoors with bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant Garden Angelica in partial shade, moist soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAngelica archangelica, commonly known as garden angelica, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination in the spring, the seedling develops into a rosette of leaves in its first year, focusing energy on root and vegetative growth. In the second year, the plant enters the bolting phase, where a tall, hollow stem shoots up, and it produces large, umbrella-like clusters of greenish-white flowers that are attractive to a variety of pollinators. After flowering, usually in late spring or early summer, the plant sets seed, which can be wind-dispersed to propagate the next generation of plants. If the conditions allow, the plant may remain dormant and survive through another winter, potentially experiencing another flowering phase. However, typically garden angelica is biennial, and once the seeds are set, the plant completes its life cycle and dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Angelica, commonly known as Angelica archangelica, can be propagated from seeds, which is the most popular method. The best time to sow Angelica seeds is in late winter to early spring. To propagate by seed, first, the seeds need to be stratified, which means simulating a cold winter period to encourage germination. You can mix the seeds with moist sand and store them in the refrigerator at around 34-40 degrees Fahrenheit (1-4 degrees Celsius) for about three to six weeks. After the cold stratification period, the seeds are sown on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and should not be covered with soil, as they require light for germination. The trays or pots should be kept in a warm, lit environment, ideally at a temperature of around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (15-21 degrees Celsius). Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they are transplanted into their individual pots or directly into the garden.
