Angelica ursina
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.
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 immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · traditional-use context
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · traditional-use context- 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.
▲ ModerateImmune support → - 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.
▲ ModerateDigestion →
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsVCultivation
Cultivation
How to grow Angelica ursina for the first time
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
VIIDistribution
4 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 0 introducedIXSpecimen 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.
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