Angelica edulis

Angelica edulis, or edible angelica, belongs to the Apiaceae family. This perennial comes from the Kuril Islands and parts of Japan. Its Japanese range includes Hokkaido and Honshu. It grows in a temperate climate. In northern and central Japan, it lives in damp mountain forests. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This tall plant has an upright form and branched, purple stems. Its divided leaves have a glossy surface and thick texture. It loses its leaves for winter. The RHS gives a garden height of 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Its brief account describes plants reaching about 10 feet [3 metres]. The spread is about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. Large, rounded umbels of white flowers appear in summer. Flat seeds follow the blooms.

Grow this species in fertile soil that stays moist. It accepts full sun or partial shade. The RHS lists clay, loam and chalk as suitable soils. It also accepts acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. Both moist, well-drained soil and poorly drained soil suit it. The plant can grow in exposed or sheltered sites. The RHS rates it H6 for cold hardiness. This rating covers winter lows of about −20 to −15°C. These ratings refer to growing conditions in the UK.

Its height and bold form suit beds and flower borders. The RHS also suggests cottage gardens and informal planting. PFAF places it in woodland gardens with dappled light. A partly shaded woodland edge is another listed setting. These uses fit its damp forest habitat and shade tolerance. Grow new plants from seed. Cut down spent flower stems in autumn or spring. The RHS reports few pest or disease problems. PFAF does not flag it as a weed.

PFAF records the leaves and shoots as edible, raw or cooked. It gives the species an edibility score of two out of five. The same source reports no known medicinal or other uses. It also warns about furocoumarins in this genus. These compounds can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. They may also cause dermatitis. That warning matters even though the plant has recorded food uses. The evidence does not establish its safety for pets.