Angelica archangelica
| Angelica archangelica | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 4 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Life Cycle: | Biennial |
| Height: | 5' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Shelter | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Angelica archangelica (common name: angelica)
Propagation: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability[1]. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower. It requires light for germination[1]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in the spring.
The seed can also be sow in situ as soon as it is ripe.
Cultivation: Requires a deep moist fertile soil in dappled shade or full sun[2][1]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.5 to 7.3.
A very hardy plant, tolerating severe frosts without damage[3].
Although by nature biennial, the plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed[1].
Angelica is occasionally cultivated in the herb garden, mainly for its culinary uses[4]. The plants have a pervading aromatic odour[3].
The growing plant is almost untroubled by pests and diseases[3]. It attracts bees and hoverflies to the garden, helping to create a natural balance of insect pests and predators[5].
When well-sited, the plant will often self-sow - sometimes to the point of nuisance[6].
Range: Europe. Naturalized in Britain[7].
Habitat: Moist shady places in Britain[3][8][9][10].
Edibility: Leaves - raw or cooked[11][3][8][9][10][2]. A liquorice-like flavour[12], they can be used as a flavouring in mixed salads[K]. They are also used to sweeten tart fruits[K].
Stalks and young shoots - cooked or raw[11][10]. The stalks should be peeled[13], they can be used like celery[12]. They can also be used to sweeten tart fruits[2] and to make jam[14]. They are often crystallised in sugar and used as sweets and cake decorations[14]. The stems are best harvested in the spring[14].
An essential oil is obtained from the root and seeds, it is used as a food flavouring[4][15][16][12].
Root - cooked[11].
Seed - used as a flavouring in liqueurs such as Chartreuse[14].
A tea can be made from the leaves, seed or roots[12].
Medicinal: Angelica has a long folk-history of use as a medicinal herb, in particular for the treatment of digestive disorders and problems with blood circulation[3][17]. The root is the most active medicinally, it should be harvested in the autumn of its first year of growth, sliced longitudinally if necessary and dried quickly[3]. If well stored, the root retains its medicinal virtues for many years[3]. The leaves and seeds can also be used[3]. The leaves are harvested and dried in late spring before the plant comes into flower[14].
The plant is antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, tonic[3][18][8][19][4][20]. An infusion is used to ease flatulence, indigestion, chronic bronchitis and typhus[14]. It stimulates blood flow to the peripheral parts of the body and so is of value in treating poor circulation - it is considered a specific treatment for Buerger's disease, a condition that narrows the arteries of the hands and feet[17]. Angelica is contra-indicated for people with a tendency towards diabetes since its use can increase sugar levels in the urine[3]. This plant should not be prescribed for pregnant women[21], nor should the juice be allowed to come into contact with the eyes[14].
An essential oil from the seeds is sometimes used as a rub to relieve rheumatic conditions[14].
Usage: An essential oil from the root and seeds is used in perfumery, medicinally and as a food flavouring[3][4][15][16]. The oil from the seeds has a musk-like aroma and is often used to flavour liqueurs[6]. The dried root contains 0.35% essential oil, the seed about 1.3%[22]. Yields of the essential oil vary according to location, plants growing at higher altitudes have higher yields with a better aroma[22].
Pollinators: Insects
Habit: Biennial
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Seed Ripens: Late Summer-Early Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis[21].
Also Known As: Archangelica officinalis.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Larkcom, Joy. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn, 1980.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Baines, Chris. Making a Wildlife Garden.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ Clapham, Arthur and Tom Tootin, Edmund Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, 1962.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Hylton, Josie and William Holtom. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press, 1979.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Vilmorin-Andrieux. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Thompson, Robert. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son, 1878.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Hedrick, Ulysses. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications, 1972.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Sowerby, John. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. 1862.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7 Phillips, Roger. Herbs. Pan Books, 1990.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Schery. Robert. Plants for Man. Prentice Hall, 1972.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Polunin, Oleg. Flowers of Europe. Oxford University Press, 1969.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ Launert, Edmund. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn, 1981.
- ↑ Lust, John. The Herb Book. Bantam Books, 1983.
- ↑ Mills, Simon. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Chopra, R. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1986.