Angelica anomala

Angelica anomala is a perennial in the carrot family, Apiaceae. The RHS also calls it anomalous angelica. Its native range spans parts of temperate eastern Asia. These include southeastern Siberia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. In Japan, it grows in northern and central regions. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Kew records it as a plant of temperate climates.

The plant grows to about 5 feet [1.5 metres] tall. The supplied sources give no mature width. It grows in damp places in Japan. In northern China, it occurs among grasses and in forests. It also grows along woodland edges and beside streams. These habitats fit its stated need for moist soil. PFAF lists it for woodland gardens and shaded edges. The evidence gives no species-specific details of leaves or stems.

Flowers appear from July to August. Seeds then ripen from August to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the plant is self-fertile. The sources do not describe flower colour or fruit form. PFAF says it tolerates frost, but gives no hardiness zone. It also notes that its hardiness in Britain remains uncertain. Its expectation of outdoor success there rests on native range.

PFAF lists sun and partial shade as suitable light conditions. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Its stated pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Moist soil is the clearest species-level growing requirement. For seed propagation, PFAF recommends sowing soon after ripening. Stored seed loses viability within a short time. Spring sowing is possible, but fewer seeds may germinate. Seeds need light to germinate. Seedlings can spend their first winter in a cold frame. They can then move outdoors the next spring. Fresh seed can also go straight into its final site.

PFAF records no known edible uses for this species. It gives the plant a medicinal score of two out of five. Reported root uses include pain relief and treatment of colds. Other recorded uses concern headaches, boils, and abscesses. These reports do not establish safe home use. One cited report urges caution without explaining the risk. PFAF records no other uses and flags no weed potential.