American angelica (Angelica atropurpurea, Sp. Pl.: 251 (1753))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 251 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Angelica

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

American angelica, known scientifically as Angelica atropurpurea, is an intriguing plant species belonging to the Apiaceae family. First documented in 1753 by renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this plant has a notable presence in botanical history.

American angelica thrives in the diverse climates of Eastern Canada and the eastern regions of the United States, extending as far south as North Carolina. This widespread geographical range highlights its adaptability and resilience in various environments.

The plant is distinguished by its robust, hollow stems and lush, green foliage. Its large, compound leaves are a characteristic feature of many Apiaceae family members, contributing to its imposing appearance. During its blooming season, American angelica produces an array of small, white to greenish-white flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters called umbels. These attractive floral displays not only add visual interest to natural landscapes but also serve an important ecological role by attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

American angelica has been historically significant, used in various traditional medicine practices by Native American tribes and early settlers. The plant’s roots, stems, and leaves were often utilized for their purported medicinal properties, including treatments for digestive issues and respiratory ailments.

Overall, American angelica is a remarkable plant species with both aesthetic appeal and historical importance. Its presence across a vast geographical region underscores its ecological significance and enduring legacy in the plant world.

Common Names

Eng: alexanders, american angelica, great angelica, masterwort, purple angelica, purplestem angelica, purple-stemmed angelica, dark-purple alexanders, purple alexanders, wild masterwort
Swe: rödstjälkskvanne
Fra: angélique pourpre, angélique noire-pourprée, angélique pourpre foncé
En: American angelica, Alexanders, Great angelica, Masterwort, Purple angelica, Purplestem angelica, “angelica, Alexanders”, Archangel, Purple-Stem Angelica, Purple-stemmed angelica, Dark-purple alexanders, Purple alexanders, Wild masterwort
Fi: Amerikankarhunputki
Fr: “angélique, Angélique noire-pourprée, Angélique pourpre foncé”, Angélique pourpre, Angélique pourpre foncé
De: Amerikanische Engelwurz
Sv: Rödstjälkskvanne

Synonyms

• Archangelica atropurpurea ((L.) Hoffm.)
• Angelica laurentiana (Fernald)
• Angelica atropurpurea var. occidentalis (Fassett)
• Selinum atropurpureum ((L.) Link)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 2, 2015 by EOL − bpollack (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 17, 2013 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 13, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Henk Kuiper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Torsten Weede (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 17, 2020 by Martin Marti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by e lb (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2015 by EOL − bpollack (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 18, 2020 by Romi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 2, 2015 by EOL − bpollack (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Christophe MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Christophe MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2010 by EOL − Peter Gorman (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2015 by EOL − bpollack (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Oct 11, 2013 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 11, 2014 by EOL − Sarah Carline (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 21, 2014 by EOL − jsoukhome (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 28, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2014 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Jul 2, 2015 by EOL − bpollack (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 5, 2015 by EOL − Marv Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 31, 2018 by Paul Chaumillon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by dredodo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Erik Pattloch (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 21, 2022 by David David (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2020 by anne cassin (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5371822)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:837563-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Angelica atropurpurea L.)

Specifications

Growth