Giant Angelica, Purple Parsnip, Korean Angelica

Angelica gigas

Physical Characteristics

Angelica gigas is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) at a medium rate. It is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Blood tonic Women's complaints The root is used in Korea to treat anaemia, hemiplegia and women's diseases[279]. It ontains a number of active compounds and has been shown to increase duodenum motility and have an anti-platelet aggregation action[279].

Known Hazards

All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis[238].