A large native plant found growing in moist areas.
Plant Type
All Plants, Wild Flowers
Hardiness Zone
5
Sunlight
full
Moisture
moist
Soil & Site
Found growing in wet woods, sedge meadows, and calcareous fens, areas of seepage, along moist shores and in springy areas.
Flowers
sit on top of the 6 foot stem, branched, rounded, umbel like heads consisting of 20-50 clusters of small (1/8") white flowers.
Leaves
base of each leaf stalk is surrounded by a papery sheath, become smaller and less compound moving up the stem, basal leaves can be bipinnatley compound.
Stems
thick, hollow, aromatic, smooth with a purple color
Dimensions
Can each over 6 feet tall. Reported to reach 9 feet.
Misc Facts
Was used as a medicine by the North American Indians for colds and fevers. The name angelica comes from the idea that this plant could be used to cure the plaque.
Author's Notes
A rather imposing plant that I have seen many times in wet sites. Fun to crack the brittle hollow stems in the fall and winter.
Notes & Reference
#46-Wetland Plants, #49-The History and Folklore of North American Wildflowers, #65-North Woods Wild Flowers)