Coelopleurum lucidum

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Coelopleurum lucidum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Beaches and bluffs by the coast and occasionally inland in western N. America. Rocky and gravelly coastal to sub-alpine meadows.

E. Asia - Siberia. Northern N. America - Alaska to northern California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young stems and leafstalks - cooked or peeled and eaten raw. The seed is used as a flavouring.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Tonic.

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 and could be resistant to maritime exposure. It is quite probable that this species is better included in the genus Angelica, as A. lucida. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a deep moist fertile soil in dappled shade or full sun.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame or in situ as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability. Seed can also be stored and then sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower. It requires light for germination. If sown in a seedbed or in pots, the plants should be planted out into their permanent positions as soon as possible.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. actaeifolium. (Michx.)Coult.&Rose. C. longipes. C. maritimum. Angelica lucida. L. Archangelic