Giant Angelica
Angelica gigasfam. Apiaceae
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Pl. 3158 — Angelica gigas
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IOverview
Overview
Giant Angelica (Angelica gigas) is a striking perennial from the Apiaceae family, native to Korea and Manchuria. Known for its large size, it can grow up to 1.8 meters tall. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade, making it adaptable but preferring full sun or dappled sunlight. It grows well in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and is hardy in zones 4-8. Giant Angelica is both edible and medicinal; its leaves are commonly used for culinary purposes. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine due to its documented therapeutic properties. One distinctive feature sets it apart: its size, which makes it stand out among other members of the Apiaceae family.
Quick answers
What is Giant Angelica?
Giant Angelica (Angelica gigas) is a striking perennial from the Apiaceae family, native to Korea and Manchuria. Known for its large size, it can grow up to 1.8 meters tall. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade, making it adaptable but preferring full sun or dappled sunlight.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontincture
Traditional use for digestive support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Giant Angelica thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 1.8 meters tall. Propagate through division of mature plants or by sowing seeds. The edible parts are the leaves, which can be harvested for use in cooking.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Giant Angelica for the first time
8steps
Start with Giant Angelica as a simple, low-maintenance perennial in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in early spring, covering them lightly. Alternatively, plant young transplants any time from spring to early summer.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade; mulch around the base for moisture retention. Water deeply once a week, more often in dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage and spent flowers to maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The Giant Angelica's leaves are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their distinctive flavor or added to soups and stews for extra nutrition. Skip the detailed preparation instructions as they were not provided in the data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 2 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaSouth Korea
VIIIGarden companions
1 pair
Garden companions
1 pairPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Apiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Apiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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