Herb to Know: Angelica

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North America has its own native angelica, A. atro­purpurea, which is found in abundance in swampy areas from Newfoundland south to Delaware and west to ­Minnesota. Early colonists in North America found ­several Indian tribes utilizing the American species, mainly in the treatment of respiratory ailments. It is similar in appearance to the European species but has dark purple stems and large umbels of white flowers.

In Asia, Chinese angelica, or dang-gui (A. sinensis), has been cultivated since A.D. 650. It is grown from seed in shaded, moist locations at high elevations. When brought to Europe in the late 1800s, it was classified as a variety of A. polymorpha. Both are smaller than A. archangelica, growing no more than 4 feet tall. Leaves develop in three oval, sharp-toothed segments on a long, sheathed leaf stalk. As with other angelicas, dang-gui flowers develop in umbels on long, hollow stalks.

Medicinal Uses

In Asia, dang-gui has long been revered for its ability to regulate ­menstruation, relieve blood-related problems surrounding childbirth, and alleviate constipation. Today, Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic physicians include it in treatments for arthritis and respiratory problems related to colds and flu.

American and European herbalists also consider A. archangelica to be an effective menstrual regulator. The plant also acts as a warming expectorant and digestive tonic and a mild ­diuretic. It is prescribed for lung and bronchial ailments, constipation, and as a part of treatments for kidney and urinary infections. It is also recommended for reducing fever.

Growing Angelica

Angelica may be started from root divisions but is usually started from seed. If there is a secret to growing angelica, it’s to harvest fresh seed as soon as it ripens, usually in mid- to late summer, refrigerate or freeze it for a week or so, then plant it immediately. If you must purchase seed or can’t plant the seed until spring, place the packet in a screw-top jar and keep it refrigerated until planting time. Many herb nurseries offer first-year plants for those who don’t care to fuss with seeds (see Sources).

Angelica thrives in rich, moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil, but it can be grown with reasonable success in almost any soil. It grows well in full sun or dappled shade; plants grown in partial shade will be significantly ­larger. Because the seeds need light to germinate, just press them into prepared soil. Seed sown in midsummer may germinate before the end of the growing season; that sown in late ­summer or fall will germinate the ­following spring. Germination of spring-planted A. archangelica takes three to four weeks at 60° to 70°F; seeds of Chinese angelica may take as long as two months to germinate.

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