Great Angelica

About Great Angelica

Great Angelica, also known as Purplestem Angelica, is a true giant of the native wetland, commanding attention with its massive stature and striking architectural form. This robust perennial can soar to heights of 3 to 8 feet, supported by thick, smooth, hollow purple stems that are as beautiful as they are sturdy. In early summer, it produces enormous, globe-like clusters of tiny greenish-white to pale yellow flowers that can span up to 9 inches across, creating a landing pad for a diverse array of pollinators, including bees and syrphid flies. Native to wet meadows, marshes, and fens in the northeastern United States and Canada, it requires consistently moist to wet, calcareous soils to thrive. The bold, compound foliage provides a lush, tropical feel to the landscape. Great Angelica is a powerhouse for wildlife, serving as a host plant for the Black Swallowtail butterfly. It is best suited for large-scale rain gardens, pond edges, or low-lying areas where its impressive scale can be fully realized.