Kneeling Angelica
Angelica genuflexa
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Angelica genuflexa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is not frost tender. 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
Where it is found
Moist places. Forests in northern China.
E. Asia - China, Siberia. North-western N. America - northern California northwards to Alaska.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - cooked. Used as a flavouring. Young stems - peeled and eaten raw. Seed - 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
The raw root, or a decoction made from it, has been used as a purgative. A compound decoction of the root has been used to treat headaches and weak eyes.
Deodorant: Masks smells. Is this medicinal?
Other
Rating:
The hollow stems have been used to make drinking straws, whistles and as breathing stems to allow people to remain underwater. The have also been used as containers to collect pitch from Picea sitchensis. The leaves were used as a deodorant by native North Americans. The leaves were chewed and the juice rubbed onto the body to mask the human smell.
Containers: Plants, such as gourds, that can be used as containers. Does not include baskets or containers made from wood.
Deodorant: A pleasant smelling plant that is used on the body to mask the human smell.
Musical: Specific mention of plants used as musical instruments. Does not include the various woods that can be used for making musical instruments.
Straw: For drinking with.
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 Sunny Edge; 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.