Angelica Plant

This is a most versatile ancient herb. A member of the carrot family, it is a very attractive plant in its own right, with handlike leaves and clusters of small white/green flowers which only appear in the second year (if not cut off the plant usually dies).

Young shoots can be added to salads, the stems and roots can be used as a vegetable, and the seeds can be used in pastries. The stems can also be peeled, cut into small slices, steamed and thereafter crystallised for cake decoration, sweet meats, and chopped and included in homemade ice cream and cakes!

The roots and stems smell strongly of gin; no surprise as this is one of the 'botanicals' used in the flavouring of gin and vermouths.

The crushed leaves are said to reduce travel sickness whilst a tea made from Angelica is purported to improve lost appetites. Additionally, if stewed and added to bath water Angelica is said to relieve rheumatism and aching muscles.

Also known as Garden Angelica, Holy Ghost, Wild Celery or Norwegian Angelica.

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

Recommended by the RHS to assist in encouraging bats into the garden as the flowers are likely to attract moths and other night-flying insects which bats love to eat!

• Grows to 3-8ft (1-2.5m) tall.
• Hardy biennial.
• Stem can get to an arm's thickness at base.
• Flowers July-August.
• Prefers deep, moist soil (likes riverbanks!)
• Will grow in full sun (but benefits from a mulch) or in partial shade.
• Will self seed.
• Plant 2-3ft (60-100cm) apart.

Top Tips

• Angelica will self-seed everywhere if allowed to flower so either cut the flowers off before they set or 'bag' the flower heads.
• Being biennial Angelica is likely to die if allowed to set seed. It is, however, hardy so it is worthwhile prolonging the life of the plant from year to year by cutting off the flowers before they set seed and/or cutting the plant down to ground level in the autumn.

Culinary Uses

• Stalks can be candied for cake decorations.
• Shoots can be added to salad.
• Stems and roots can be used as vegetables.
• Seeds can be used in pastries.
• Flowers are edible.

Medicinal Uses

• Used to treat digestive problems.
• Crushed leaves freshen the air in a car and are said to reduce travel sickness.
• Tea made from the leaves is said to be tonic for colds and to reduce flatulence.
• Use as a 'bath oil' for aching muscles and rheumatism.

Other Uses

• Leaves can be used in pot pourri.
• Can be used to increase apetite.
• Oils can be used in gin, vermouth, Chartreuse and perfumes.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.