Angelica
Angelica archangelica
Botanical family: Apiaceae
Angelica archangelica, a large aromatic Apiaceae of cool, damp places, grown for its candied stems (angélique de Niort) and for its seeds, which flavour liqueurs. Sources: Plants For A Future, “Angelica archangelica”; CREGENE, “L'Angélique de Niort-Marais Poitevin”.
Sun to partial shade
Deep, cool to moist, rich
Regular, dislikes dryness
Biennial to short-lived perennial, hardy; self-seeds
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A majestic Apiaceae of cool places (up to 2 m), whose immense yellow-green umbels are a magnet for pollinators and helpers (hoverflies, bees, predatory wasps), a precious relay plant for biological control. Its stems are candied, its seeds flavour. A biennial that dies after seeding, but self-seeds readily in damp corners.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Seasons & availability
A biennial: the stems for candying are cut in the spring of the 2nd year, and the seed in summer. A tall umbel that draws bees and hoverflies.
Available: April, May, June, July.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Réussir la culture de l'angélique » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-de-langelique)
- Plants For A Future, « Angelica archangelica » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Angelica+archangelica)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Like other Apiaceae, it contains photosensitising furocoumarins: handling the foliage then exposing yourself to the sun can cause a skin reaction (photodermatosis). Cautious use. Like any umbellifer, never confuse it with a toxic wild species (hemlock): grow it from identified seed, and reserve picking for identified plants.
Family behaviour: Apiaceae
In general, Apiaceae are umbel plants (carrot, parsley, celery, coriander, dill) whose flowers attract precious beneficials: hoverflies, ichneumons, parasitoids. Fairly easy to pair, except fennel, they are useful along edges to feed beneficials.
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Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Species
Key takeaways
- • Prefers sun to partial shade exposure.
- • Ideal soil: deep, cool to moist, rich.