Coast Angelica

Coast Angelica is a large perennial herb, most notable for its tall, thick stem and crown of white, bulbous flowers. The celery-like stem stretches anywhere from 3-7 ft above the dark green, oval leaves at the base. The leaves, typically 10 centimeters long, have toothed edges and white fuzzy undersides. Out of the top of stout stock, branch numerous clusters of white flowers. The flower clusters are composed of spherical compound umbels — numerous clusters of small, fuzzy flowers densely packed to give the appearance of a ball of inflorescence. Below the ground, the plant has a deep, whitish taproot, which closely resembles a parsnip.

Basic Information

• Member of the Apiaceae family, which includes celery, carrots, and parsley

• Perennial herb

Habitat

• Native to the west coast of the United States from Washington to central California

• Largely found on coastal bluffs and flats, largely in northern coastal scrub areas

Ecological Role

• Quite popular with pollinators, including the butterfly the anise swallowtail

Reproduction

• Relies on active pollinators, including butterflies, to reproduce

• Flowers in late spring and summer

Alternative Names

• Henderson’s Angelica

Historical Uses

• The Mewuk tribe took an infusion of the plant for shellfish poisoning, namely mussel poisoning, and ate the young stems raw

• The leaves of angelica were prepared as a tincture or tea and used to treat coughs, colds, bronchitis, and other respiratory complaints

• The root is the most medically active part of the plant