An Herb Society of America Fact Sheett
Angelliica
Angelica archangelica (angelica)
Angelica atropurpurea (American angelica, Purple
angelica, Alexanders)
Angelica polymorpha var. sinensis (Chinese angelica,
dong quai)
Angelica gigas (Korean angelica)
Angelicas are biennials or short-lived perennials belonging to the
Apiaceae (par s ley fami ly) , and are related to carrot, parsley, and
the aromatic seed plants dill, caraway, cumin, anise and fennel. The
species A. archangel ica, a biennial, originated in Northern and
Central Europe. The plant has an ancient history of use as a charm
against contagion, spells and enchantments and as a cure-all. Old pre-
Christian beliefs about its magical power have been absorbed into the
Christian context, including an association with some archangelic patronage,
hence its species name.
Description
Angelica forms a basal clump of large three-sectioned leaves, borne on
clasping leafstalks, which may be 2 to 3 feet tall in the first (sometimes also the second) year. In the second
(sometimes the third) year it will send up a tall bloom stalk, usually 4 to 6 feet but occasionally up to 10 feet
tall, creating a majestic appearance. The stalk is hollow, ribbed and 2 inches in diameter. At midsummer the
flowering parts of A. archangelica appear wrapped in a papery sheath, which opens to show tiny greenishwhite
flowers in large club-like heads (the umbels typical of the family) up to 6 inches across. The flowers
are followed by ribbed green seeds that turn brown as they ripen. All parts of the plant are fragrant, and the
flower nectar attracts bees. Angelica atropurpurea grows wild in North America from Newfoundland
to Delaware and West Virginia, Illinois to Wisconsin, preferring wet bottomlands and swamps. The stem base
is tinged with purple as its species name suggests. A. polymorpha var. sinensis grows to 2.5 to 5 feet and
is native to East Asia. A. gigas, which is marketed as Korean Angelica, is similar to A. archangel ica,
but is purple in all its parts.
Culture
Angelicas are propagated by the fresh seeds, which can be allowed to self-sow. Late summer sown seedlings
will make good root growth through much of the winter, as long as they do not dry out. They can be transplanted
only in the young seedling stage, and planted 3 feet apart on center. Angelica requires shade in the
hottest part of the day, and abundant water, although soil should also be well-drained. It prefers neutral to
slightly acid soil with plenty of organic matter. A. archangelica and A. atropurpurea are hardy to zone 4,
but A. polymorpha var. sinensis is only hardy to Zone 9.
Uses
Angelica was considered for centuries to be a powerful protective herb against evil spirits, witchcraft and disease,
including the plague. Parkinson, in the 17th century, considered it a major medicinal plant. Roots and
leaves are used as a digestive stimulant, and the root and rhizome of A. archangelica are approved by the
German Commission E for digestive disturbances including flatulence and mild gastrointestinal spasms.
American Angelica was widely used medicinally by North American Indians. The species most used in Chinese
Angelica archangelica
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herbal medicine is A. polymorpha var. sinensis, which is considered an impor tant tonic.
Some sources recommend against the use of medicinal angelica preparations during pregnancy.
Roots, stalks, leaves and flowers of A. archangelica are edible. The stalks are candied for confections and
cake decorations. Leaves are added to cooked fruit dishes, soups, stews, fish or poultry. The essential oil of
the root and seeds is used as a vanilla-like flavoring in commercial liqueurs, ice creams and candies.
Warnings! 1) Any of the angelicas may cause skin photosensitivity or dermatitis due to the presence of furanocoumarins.
2) They must be identified carefully in the wild because of resemblance to other members of
the family Apiaceae, which are poisonous, especially poison hemlock (Conium muculatum).
Bibliography
Blumenthal, Mark, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal
Medicines. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council, 1998.
Bown, Deni. The Herb Society of America New Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses. New York: DK, 2001.
Brickell, Christopher and Judith D. Zuk, eds. The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden
Plants. New York: DK, 1997.
Foster, Gertrude B. Herbs for Every Garden. New York, E.P. Dutton, 1966.
Foster, Steven and James A. Duke. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and
Central Nor th America. New York: Houghton Mif f l in, 2000.
Fox, Helen Morgenthau. Gardening With Herbs for Flavor and Fragrance. New York: MacMillan,
1933.
Grieve, Mrs. M. A Modern Herbal . New York: Harcour t Brace & Company, 1931.
Gruenwald, Joerg, Thomas Brendler and Christof Jaenicke, eds. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ:
Medical Economics Company, 2000.
Magic and Medicine of Plants. Pleasantvi l le, NY: Reader’s Digest Associat ion, 1986.
Tucker, Arthur O. and Thomas DeBaggio. The Big Book of Herbs. Loveland, CO:
Interweave Press, 2000.
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use and delight of herbs through educational programs, research, and sharing the experience of members with the community.
Since we are not medical practitioners, it is the policy of The Herb Society of America not to advise, recommend,
or prescribe herbs for medicinal use. Information is provided as an educational service, and The Herb Society of America
cannot be held liable for its content. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.
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