Angelica crucifolia

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Angelica crucifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 6in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to November. 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): 0.8

Where it is found

A very rare plant in the wild, found in damp habitats in central and southern Japan. Slopes, shrubby thickets or forest edges in China.

E. Asia - Japan, Korea, Manchuria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 0

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. According to some authorities, the correct name for this species is Angelica cartilaginomarginata. 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

All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. cartigaginomarginata. (Makino.)Nakai. Peucedanum makinoi