Wild angelica Angelica sylvestris 'Ebony'
ABOUT
Angelica sylvestris 'Ebony' is a striking plant known for its bold and elegant features. It is distinguished by its dark, almost black-purple pinnate leaves that create a dramatic contrast in the garden. As the seasons progress, these leaves typically lighten to a softer purple-green hue. The plant produces large umbels of delicate, small white or pale pink flowers that stand out against the dark foliage. These flower clusters form a loose, dome-like shape that can add an airy element to the plant's overall appearance. The stems of Angelica sylvestris 'Ebony' are equally dramatic, carrying the same dark hues of the foliage and providing a strong, architectural support to the flower heads. This plant is a biennial or short-lived perennial that adds texture and depth to planting schemes with its distinctive colors and structural qualities. It is a choice plant for creating visual interest in a mixed border or as a focal point due to its unique coloring and form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apiaceae
Synonyms
Wild Angelica, Ebony Angelica
Common names
Angelica sylvestris.
ToxicityTo humans
Wild angelica is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, sensitivity can vary from person to person. If any parts of the plant are ingested in significant quantities, the most common symptoms might include digestive upset such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is important to note that the sap of wild angelica may contain furocoumarins, which can cause photosensitivity and skin irritation when touched and then exposed to sunlight. This could lead to rashes or burns in some individuals.
To pets
Wild angelica is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. However, individual pets may have sensitivities or allergic reactions to plants that are not broadly toxic. If a pet ingests wild angelica, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. As with humans, the sap containing furocoumarins can also cause photosensitivity in pets, which may result in dermatitis or other skin irritations if they come into contact with the sap and then are exposed to sunlight. If any adverse reactions are observed after a pet has ingested or come into contact with this plant, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Angelica sylvestris 'Ebony' boasts dark purple to almost black leaves in the spring, providing an ornamental feature in garden settings.
- Wildlife Habitat: It offers a habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators such as bees and butterflies due to its abundant flower clusters.
- Culinary Use: The young stems of Angelica sylvestris can be candied or used in confectionery, providing a unique flavoring option.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The tall, dramatic flower stalks with umbrella-like clusters add architectural interest to landscape designs.
- Functional Gardening: It can be used in permaculture and natural garden designs, as it's a part of the native flora in some regions and encourages biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Its seasonal changes, from dark foliage to white or greenish-white flowers in summer, offer varied visual interest throughout the growing season.
Medical Properties- Antispasmodic: Angelica sylvestris has been traditionally used for its antispasmodic effects to relieve muscle spasms.
- Carminative: The plant is known to help in expelling gas from the intestines, potentially providing relief from bloating and flatulence.
- Diuretic: It has diuretic properties, which means it can promote the production of urine, aiding in the removal of excess water from the body.
- Expectorant: Angelica sylvestris is said to help in the clearing of mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant's components may exhibit anti-inflammatory actions, which could help in the treatment of inflammation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The hollow stems of Angelica sylvestris 'Ebony' can be used as a natural straw for garden beverages, making it an eco-friendly option.
- Due to its dramatic, dark purple foliage, this plant is often used in photography as a backdrop to enhance the contrast of brightly colored subjects.
- Gardeners may use the robust stems of the angelica plant for plant supports or to create a makeshift trellis for climbing plants.
- The dried seed heads may be used in floral displays and crafts, adding both structure and an intriguing visual element to dried flower arrangements.
- The leaves of the plant have been historically used as a natural moth deterrent when dried and placed among clothes.
- Angelica sylvestris 'Ebony' can be used as a natural dye, with different parts of the plant yielding varying shades of green, yellow, or brown.
- For those who practice natural magic, this plant is sometimes implemented in garden rituals or used as part of a warding bouquet for protection due to its striking presence.
- The plant's seed pods can be used as a natural shaker instrument for children’s garden education or outdoor musical activities.
- An infusion made from the plant's leaves can be used to water other plants as a mild natural fertilizer for certain nutrient-loving species.
- Creative gardeners have used sections of angelica stems as molds for creating plant-based candles or soap bars with unique textures.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Angelica is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Angelica is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection – Angelica plants are often associated with protection because their strong herbal scent was believed to ward off evil spirits.
- Purification – The plant has been used in traditional rituals for cleansing and purifying spaces, objects, and individuals.
- Healing – Angelica sylvestris 'Ebony', like other species in the Angelica genus, is linked with health and healing due to its historical use in medicine and herbal remedies.
- Divine connection – Its name "Angelica" suggests a connection with the angelic realm, symbolizing a bridge between the earth and the divine.
- Inspiration – The towering structure and impressive presence of the plant can symbolize inspiration, encouraging individuals to reach higher states of creativity or spirituality.
WaterWild Angelica prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. On average, this might mean watering with approximately 1 gallon per week, but always check the soil moisture before watering. During hot or dry periods, watering frequency may increase to twice per week. Be sure to avoid overwatering, as standing water can lead to root rot.
LightWild Angelica thrives best in partial shade to full sun. The ideal spot for this plant would be one where it receives morning sunlight and is shaded from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can hinder its growth and flower production.
TemperatureWild Angelica grows best within a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F but can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 80°F. It is not particularly heat-tolerant, so providing some shade during the hottest parts of the day is beneficial. Avoid exposing the plant to frost, as it can be damaged by temperatures below freezing.
PruningPruning Wild Angelica can enhance its appearance by removing spent flowers and dead foliage, which encourages new growth and can prevent self-seeding if desired. The best time to prune is after the flowers have faded, generally in late summer or early fall. It's typically not necessary to prune this plant frequently; once a year should be sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWild Angelica thrives in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. The soil mix should ideally consist of garden loam, peat, and sand in equal parts for optimal growth. The best soil pH for Wild Angelica ranges from 5.5 to 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingWild Angelica is a biennial or short-lived perennial and does not typically require frequent repotting. It should be repotted only when it outgrows its current container or every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingWild Angelica prefers a high humidity environment but is adaptable to average atmospheric moisture levels. Constantly moist soil typically provides adequate humidity for its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; ensure soil remains damp.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAngelica sylvestris 'Ebony', commonly known as wild angelica, begins its life cycle as a seed which, after dispersal, germinates in favorable conditions, typically in cool, moist soil. It develops into a seedling and, over time, forms a rosette of deeply cut, purple-tinged leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, typically in its second year, it sends up a tall, hollow stem and produces compound umbels of small, creamy-white flowers which, in the 'Ebony' cultivar, are set against dark purple, almost black stems and foliage. After pollination, often facilitated by a variety of insects, the plant produces small, dry fruits called schizocarps. Once ripe, these fruits release the seeds, thereby completing the reproductive phase. After seed set, the biennial plant typically dies, although some plants may exhibit perennial tendencies by surviving through vegetative reproduction or by producing new shoots from the rootstock.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Wild Angelica, also known as Angelica sylvestris 'Ebony', is commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow seeds is either in the fall, allowing winter cold to naturally stratify the seeds, or in spring after a period of cold stratification in a refrigerator for about a month. To propagate by seed, simply scatter the seeds on the surface of a moist, well-drained seed starting mix and lightly press them in. Do not cover the seeds with soil as they need light to germinate. Keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged, and place the seed tray in a bright area with indirect sunlight. Germination should occur when temperatures are between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5-21 degrees Celsius). Once the seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
