Angelica
angelica archangelica
Also known as: ["Garden Angelica","Holy Ghost Plant","Angelica Sylvestris"]
Overview
A biennial herbaceous plant native to Northern Europe, Angelica archangelica is known for its large, hollow stems, large compound leaves, and umbels of small greenish-white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","culinary herb","fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Angelica |
| Botanical Name: | Angelica archangelica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed in partial shade, protected from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; more frequent in spring and summer.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for health or space.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight daily; reduce direct sun in hottest months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for leaf scorch.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
rich, moist, well-draining loam with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure good aeration; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); prefers cooler nights; tolerates frost but not extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options like compost tea.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or root division; stem cuttings can also be attempted but are less reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium, sow seeds or take cuttings, provide warmth and humidity, transplant once established.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the plant is not in full bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or a blend of peat and perlite for cuttings.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone can aid stem cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds may take 3–4 weeks to germinate; cuttings root in 4–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, seed trays, misting bottle, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds shallowly; use bottom heat for faster germination; keep cuttings out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back spent flower stalks, thin out crowded stems, remove yellowing leaves.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain health and encourage new growth; shape as needed.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, remove dead growth, shape plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Gently remove plant, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the container; beneficial for young plants.
Checklist
Choose right pot, prepare soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation; ensure excess water drains away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite for drainage; mulch surface to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; roots become less efficient in absorbing water.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent soil moisture.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced vigor, or premature flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicAngelica archangelica can cause mild toxicity in cats if ingested, primarily due to gastrointestinal irritation from the plant's volatile compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicWhile Angelica archangelica is not highly toxic to dogs, ingestion can cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's essential oils and other secondary metabolites.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAngelica archangelica is generally considered non-toxic and is often used in culinary and medicinal applications. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds or roots may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of volatile oils and other compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Angelica archangelica edible?
A: Yes, the stems, leaves, and roots are edible when properly prepared, often used in culinary applications such as candied stems or herbal teas.
Q: Does Angelica attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies due to its umbels of small flowers.
Q: How tall does Angelica grow?
A: Angelica archangelica can grow up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall in its second year.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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