Angelica gigas aka Korean Angelica

Angelica gigas is a biennial or short-lived perennial in the Apiaceae family. Its common names include Korean angelica and giant angelica. Kew places its native range in northeast China and Korea. It grows in mountain grassland, open woods, and near streams. Some records place these habitats around 3,280 feet [1,000 metres] above sea level.

This upright plant forms clumps and loses its leaves in winter. Garden plants stand about 3–6.5 feet [1–2 metres] tall. The RHS gives an upper height of 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. Its spread can reach 5 feet [1.5 metres]. Branched stems have a red-purple tint and carry large green leaves. Each leaf can reach 1.3 feet [0.4 metres] long. Diamond-shaped leaflets make up the divided leaves. The dark stems contrast with the green foliage.

Deep purple flowers form dense umbels above the leaves. The RHS records flower heads about 0.4 feet [0.12 metres] across. Chicago reports larger heads, reaching about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres]. Bloom falls from July to October, with emphasis on late summer and early autumn. A wide range of insects pollinates the flowers. The blooms attract butterflies, while deer tend to leave plants alone. Its height and bold leaves suit borders and specimen planting. It also fits woodland edges and wildlife gardens.

Give it deep, moist soil that drains well. The RHS favours loam, but also lists clay as suitable. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Partial shade suits it well; sources also list full shade or sun. Mulch can help it cope with drier soil. The RHS rates it H6; Chicago lists USDA zones 5–7. Chicago reports a lifespan of three to four years. Sow ripe seed in a cold frame with light for germination. Move seedlings while young, since older plants dislike root disturbance. Cut the stems back once flowering ends.

Slugs, snails, aphids, and leaf miners may attack this plant. Powdery mildew can also affect it. PFAF lists cooked young leaves as edible. This does not mean all parts are safe to eat. Sap can cause dermatitis, and furocoumarins can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Chicago warns that root extracts can have dangerous blood-thinning effects, potentially causing death. PFAF records traditional Korean root use for anaemia and other ailments. Those uses do not establish safe home treatment.