Angelica lineariloba aka Poison Angelica

Angelica lineariloba is native and endemic to California and the adjacent western slopes of Nevada. It is a high-elevation species found primarily in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, growing on slopes and open flats between roughly 6,000 and 10,600 feet (about 1,800–3,230 m) elevation. Its plant communities include Sagebrush Scrub, Red Fir Forest, and Subalpine Forest.

The flowers of Angelica lineariloba are small, white to cream-colored, and arranged in compound umbels — the characteristic flowering structure of the carrot family. Each umbel can have up to 40 rays, with each ray bearing a cluster of tiny flowers. Blooming occurs from June through September, timed to the short growing season at high Sierra elevations.

Angelica lineariloba grows as an erect perennial herb, reaching approximately 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) in height. The stems are hollow, as is typical for the Apiaceae family, and the plant develops from a taproot. The highly dissected, feathery leaves are large relative to the plant's overall size, giving it a lacy appearance.

Angelica lineariloba should not be eaten. Calflora explicitly warns "do not eat any part of this plant." Like all Angelica species, it contains furocoumarins — photosensitizing compounds that can also cause dermatitis when plant sap contacts skin in sunlight. The plant is not an edible species.

Angelica lineariloba is a California-endemic wildflower suited to high-elevation western mountain gardens. It grows naturally in Sagebrush Scrub, Red Fir Forest, and Subalpine Forest communities, and is not typically cultivated. It is a California native with no established horticultural profile.

Angelica lineariloba is a high-elevation Sierra Nevada perennial that dies back each winter and re-emerges in late spring. Flowering occurs from June through September. In its natural habitat it experiences cold winters, heavy snowpack, and a short growing season at 6,000–10,600 feet elevation.

The only infraspecific taxon on record is Angelica lineariloba var. culbertsonii Jeps., which is no longer considered a valid taxon by current taxonomic authorities including ITIS and POWO.

Angelica lineariloba flowers in compound umbels typical of the Apiaceae family. Umbellifer flowers are generally insect-pollinated, attracting a wide variety of flies, beetles, bees, and wasps. No specific pollinator studies for this species were found in available sources.

No medicinal uses are documented for Angelica lineariloba specifically in available authoritative sources. The genus Angelica broadly has a history of herbal use (e.g., A. archangelica, A. sinensis), but this high-elevation California endemic is primarily noted for its toxicity rather than medicinal application.

No other uses are documented for Angelica lineariloba in available authoritative sources. The species is primarily documented as a native California wildflower of ecological interest, with a notable toxicity warning against any ingestion.

Poison Angelica should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Poison Angelica loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Poison Angelica thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Poison Angelica.

Repotting the Poison Angelica is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.