Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Angelica

Angelica gigas (Angelica)

This showstopper produces conspicuous, red-purple leaf sheaths with dense, purple domed flowerheads.

Botanical Name: Angelica gigas (an-JEL-ih-kah GEE-gas)
Common Name: Angelica
Genus: Angelica

Other Names: wild celery, masterwort, and dang gui (china)
Do not take if: Pregnant, have diabetes, have heart problems, have history of cancer
Toxicity: Angelica root is poisonous while fresh, but drying eliminates poison so dried Angelica is safe to use.
Caution: Take care! Water Hemlock looks very similar to Angelica so do not mix them up. Water hemlock is extremely poisonous. Seek medical help immediately!Noteworthy characteristics: Highly attractive to bees. A biennal or short-lived perennial.
Care: Provide full sun to part shade and dry to medium soil.
Propagation: Sow seed in containers when ripe and transplant when small, as mature plants resent disturbance.
Problems: Powdery mildew, leaf spot. Aphids, snails slugs, leaf miners.


Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Flowers; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Early Fall; Fall; Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Dried Flower
Style Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials

Magickal Uses             Protection, Healing,Visions,
                                      Removing Hexes
Medicinal Uses            Stimulating gastric juices, flatulence,
                                      stomach cramps, antispasmodic properties,
                                      reducing menopausal symptoms (hot
                                      flashes), premenstral syndrome, allergies,
                                      reducing muscle spasms, helps blood clot,
                                      double the pain relieving effect of aspirin,
                                      digestive problems