Tree Angelica, Wild Angelica
Angelica sylvestris

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

A small plant. It grows for 2 years or can keep growing for a few years. It grows 2 m tall and spreads 1 m wide. The underground stem or rhizome is thick. The stems are erect and hollow and branch at the top. They are purple. The leaves are green and divided 3 times and are triangle shaped. They are 60 cm long. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers are white in compound groups at the top of the plant. The fruit are oval and flattened. There are wings along the edge.

There are 50 Angelica species. They are temperate plants.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It does best in moist rich soil. It needs a protected slightly shady position. It cannot tolerate drought. It can tolerate frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Albania, Asia, Australia, Britain, Caucasus, China, Estonia, Europe, Faroe Islands, France, Germany, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Netherlands, Russia, Siberia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young stems and leaves are boiled and eaten as a vegetable. The stalks are peeled and used in soups. The chopped leaves are added to rhubarb and other stewed fruit dishes. The roots are used as a spice of flavouring. The seeds are used as a spice.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves, stems, root - flavouring, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ground ash, Heinputk, Kekire, Navadni gozdni koren, Putski, Soohgiputk, Woodland angelica

Synonyms

Angelica alpina Krock. ex Steud.; Angelica montana Brot.; and several others