Angelica anomala
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Angelica anomala is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Damp habitats in C. and N. Japan. In grasses or forests, at forest edges or by streams in northern China.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Siberia
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is analgesic, antibacterial, antidote, carminative, depuritive, diaphoretic, poultice and is also used to treat women's complaints. The drug (an extract of the root?) lowers arterial pressure, increases diuresis and stimulates contraction of the smooth muscles, especially the uterus, but without causing abortion. The plant is used in the treatment of colds and headaches, coryza, leucorrhoea, boils and abscesses. Small quantities of angelicotoxin, one of the active ingredients in the root, have an excitatory effect on the respiratory centre, central nervous system and vasculomotor centre. It increases the rate of respiration, increases blood pressure, decreases the pulse, increases the secretion of saliva and induces vomiting. In large doses it can cause convulsions and generalized paralysis.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Antidote: Counters poisoning.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know how hardy it will be in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a deep moist fertile soil in dappled shade or full sun. Plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower. It requires light for germination. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in the spring. The seed can also be sow in situ as soon as it is ripe.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
One report says that caution is advised in the use of this plant but it gives no reason. All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis.