Angelica Species

Angelica Species:
Angelica is a native of North America, Europe, and Asia. Wild angelica is found in moist fields and hedgerows in the north eastern and north central United States and Canada. Angelica is also widely cultivated as a garden plant.

An ancient and highly aromatic plant, angelica is praised in the folklore of northern Europe countries as a panacea for all ills. The name probably comes from the Greek angelos, meaning “messenger.” There is a legend that an angel revealed to a monk in a dream that the herb was a cure for the plague, and traditionally angelica was considered the most effective safeguard against evil, witchcraft in particular.

Angelica is an important flavoring agent in liqueurs such as Benedictine. It is also cultivated commercially for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Angelica is a hardy, herbaceous, biennial herb (USDA Zone 4-7), which can be extended to four years if the emerging flower spikes are removed. It grows to a height of 3 to 8 feet. The dramatic second-year flower heads appear in the late spring through summer. They are greenish-white and very sweetly scented. The lower leaves are large, bright green and glossy with smaller upper leaves.

Wild angelica (Angelica sylvestris) is also known as “Ground Ash” with white flowers in the summer often tinged with pink. Wild angelica can be confused with poisonous wild hemlock flowers, so don’t pick them unless you absolutely know the difference!

Angelica Species Grown:
Angelica can only be grown from seed, but it loses it viability after 3 months. Sow preferably when it is fresh, in the spring or fall. If this cannot be done for some reason, store in the refrigerator or freezer. As seedlings do not transplant well, sow in planting position and thin to about 3 feet between the plants. If maintaining for another season, mark the spot as the plant will die back fully during the winter.

Aphids can sometimes be a problem, but can be removed easily with a liquid horticultural soap. It cannot be stressed often enough that angelica needs plenty of water and if in the summer, the leaves turn a yellowish green, it is usually a sign that the plants need more water.

Angelica dislikes hot and humid climates and appreciates a spot in the garden where it can be in the shade for some part of the day. It can be a difficult plant to accommodate in a small garden, as it needs a lot of space. Site as the back of a border, or perhaps near a wall where the splendid plant architecture can be shown off. Make sure that the soil is deep and moist. Add well-rotted compost to help retain moisture.

Angelica forms a big clump of foliage in the first summer and dramatic flowers the second, dying back after the seed is set. A plant will propagate itself if allowed to self-seed. But by cutting back in the autumn, and preventing the flower head from seeding, the same plant can sometimes by maintained as a short-lived perennial for approximately 4 years.

Harvest the leaves for fresh use in the spring; for drying, in early summer. The aromatic leaves can be used in potpourri. Pick the flowers in early summer for dried arrangements. Collect the seeds when they begin to ripen. Harvest roots for use medicinally in the second fall immediately after flowering. Angelica stems are used as a decorative confectionery for cakes. Young leaves can be used to season salads and the seeds can be added to breads and pastries.

Uses:
Angelica Species also has many medicinal uses. Angelica stimulates the circulation and for this use it is recommended to seek the advice of a trained herbalist. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The young leaves can be made into a tea for reducing tension, nervous headaches, indigestion, stomach gas and heartburn. The roots can also be used to make a soothing tea for bronchial conditions and colds. Simmer one ounce of the clean root in a pint of water for at least 30 minutes.

Perhaps only grown for its culinary or medicinal purposes, Angelica is also a striking addition to the garden. Its large leaves have a tropical appearance and can give the garden a lush appearance.

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