Angelica decursiva

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Angelica decursiva is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from August to September, 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): 1.5

Where it is found

Grassy places in woods in lowland and hills, C. and S. Japan. Damp soils in China. On slopes, forest edges by streams or shrubby thickets.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves and shoots - cooked. A fragrant aroma.

Medicine

Rating: 2

Antiseptic, antiarthritic, antispasmodic, carminative, lenitive, stimulant, stomachic, tonic. The root is analgesic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, antitussive, expectorant and stimulant. It is used in the treatment of coughs with thick phlegm, asthma and upper respiratory tract infections.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Antiarthritic: Treats arthritis.

Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Lenitive: Soothing, palliative.

Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

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

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

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Peucedanum decursivum. (Miq.)Maxim.