The Queen of Green!
The Queen of Green!
In the center of the Woodland Garden where soil is dense and heavy and drainage is poor, Angelica pachycarpa is thriving. This underused plant makes a striking display of contrasting shades with dark green, brilliantly glossy leaves and pale green flower heads. “It’s like a Queen Anne’s Lace on steroids” as one gardener put it.
The genus belongs to the Parsley Family (Apiaceae), a large family distinguished by its umbel shaped inflorescence and hollow stems. Young Angelica stems are candied for a sweet treat in the UK and the seeds are used to flavor liquors. One must take extreme caution however, when wild harvesting plants in this family which includes edibles like cilantro, carrot and cumin but also lookalikes such as water hemlock, one of the deadliest plants in North America.
Sixty species make up the genus, many of which have been used medicinally to treat just about every ailment. In the 14th century Angelica archangelica was even thought to cure the plague. Legend is that the Angel Gabriel came in a dream and revealed to a monk that the plant would both cure and offer protection against the ‘Great Mortality’, and thus it earned its name.
All parts of the plant were also believed effective against evil spirits and witchcraft. The dried leaves were burned in exorcism rituals and the root carried in pockets to offer protection. It was held in such esteem that it was referred to as 'The Root of the Holy Ghost’. Even Harry Potter and his wizards use the herb for spells and potions!
Like most Angelicas, A. pachycarpa is short lived but a prolific seeder. Available in The Gardens’ nursery in 4 inch pots, it is best to transplant when small and arrange in mass for a dramatic effect. Plant these beauties now for next spring’s reward.
Submitted by Staff Gardener Siena MacFarland