Angelica ursina
Angelica ursina
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Pl. 268A — Angelica ursina
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IOverview
Overview
Angelica ursina, a perennial plant native to Japan, Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, and Sakhalin, thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure. This tall herb can grow up to 3 meters in height and is known for its edible leaves and shoots, making it a valuable addition to culinary dishes. Its adaptability to various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and its preference for moist conditions make it a resilient species in its native habitat. One distinctive feature of Angelica ursina is its ability to grow in diverse environments, from full sun to partial shade, showcasing its hardiness and versatility.
Quick answers
What is Angelica ursina?
Angelica ursina, a perennial plant native to Japan, Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, and Sakhalin, thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure. This tall herb can grow up to 3 meters in height and is known for its edible leaves and shoots, making it a valuable addition to culinary dishes.
What is Angelica ursina used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Angelica ursina
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Angelica ursina, like other Angelica species, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to aid digestion. It is often prepared as a tea or tincture.
The mechanism involves the presence of essential oils and coumarins which can stimulate digestive processes and improve gut motility.
- Angelica species have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support immune function, often prepared as a decoction. Angelica ursina may similarly be used for its purported immunomodulatory effects.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves compounds such as polysaccharides and coumarins which are known to influence the immune system in related species.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Comfort
digestiontincture
Historically used for digestive issues.
Skin Soother
skindecoction
Traditionally applied to soothe skin irritations.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Angelica ursina thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial that grows up to 3 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Propagate via seeds or division of mature plants. Harvest edible parts such as leaves and shoots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Angelica ursina for the first time
8steps
Angelica ursina is a hardy perennial that's easy to grow for beginners, focusing on basic care and harvesting.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Angelica ursina plant or seeds, a garden fork, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants 30-60 cm apart in the garden bed. For seeds, sow them directly where they will grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize once a year with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to encourage new growth. Harvest young shoots in spring for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Angelica ursina are edible. They can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, they are prepared in salads for a fresh taste or steamed as a vegetable to enhance their flavor.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 4 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Japan
Broader regions
native:Kamchatka, Kuril Is., Sakhalin
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, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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