Henderson's Angelica
Angelica hendersonii
Carrot Family (Apiaceae)
Native
Key Identifying Characteristics
A member of the Carrot Family, Henderson’s Angelica produces a branching erect stem to heights between 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters). At the top of the stems are large clusters of tiny white flowers.
Similar To
Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum)
Look at the leaves to tell them apart. Angelica has leaves with 5 or more oval leaflets (about 4 inches long) that are slightly toothed. Cow Parsnip leaves are large, 3 lobed maple leaf-like and coarsely serrated.
Height / Size
3-7 feet (1-2 meters) tall and 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) wide.
Leaves
Leaves are oval leaflets that alternate and grow up to 4 inches long (10 centimeters), with slightly toothed edges and white, woolly undersides. Stems are hollow.
Flower
The ‘woolly’ flower heads are compound umbels of up to 60 rays holding clusters of fuzzy whitish flowers. Bloom Time: May to August
Fruit / Seed
The flowers yield paired bodies of fruits that are nearly a centimeter (.4 inch ) long, each containing a ribbed seed.
Habitat
Grows in coastal sage scrub and other habitats on the immediate coastline.
Location / Range
All Trails. Coastal areas from Washington to central California
Lifespan
A long-lived taproot perennial herb.
Fascinating / Fun Facts
Also known as the Coast Angelica. It is beneficial to butterflies.
Ethnobotany
Native Americans such as the Ohlone use this plant for medical practices, including heating leaves for skin disorders, treating headaches by inhaling smoke from burning roots, and applying burned twigs for rheumatic pains.