Angelica sylvestris

Wild angelica

Angelica sylvestris, commonly known as wild angelica, is a perennial herb native to Europe and parts of Asia. Characterized by its large, umbel-shaped white flower clusters and aromatic foliage, this botanical species has long been valued in traditional herbalism for its diverse therapeutic properties and unique medicinal qualities.

  • Scientific name: Angelica sylvestris
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Apiales and the family Apiaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Angelica.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Apiaceae WCVP
Genus Angelica WCVP

Common Names

This plant is known by various regional names depending on the language and location. In Poland, it is referred to as Dzięgieł leśny, while in Russia, it is called Дудник лесной. In the Serbian language, it is identified as Divlja anđelika (Latin script) or Дивља анђелика (Cyrillic script), and in Finland, its common name is karhunputki.
Language Common Name Source
pl Dzięgiel leśny Wikidata
ru Дудник лесной Wikidata
sr-el Divlja anđelika Wikidata
sr-ec Дивља анђелика Wikidata
fi karhunputki Wikidata
de Wald-Engelwurz Wikidata
nn Sløkje Wikidata
pcd Panasse Wikidata
az Meşə tütəkotu Wikidata
lt Miškinis skudutis Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated across the northern reaches of the European continent. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland regions of Denmark and Finland. Furthermore, its presence extends to the remote islands of Iceland and the Faroe Islands. The species is also well-established within the varied landscapes of Great Britain. Overall, these locations highlight its preference for Northern European environments.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Angelica sylvestris, features distinct morphological characteristics that are key to its identification. Its large, compound leaves are deeply divided and provide a lush, green texture to the foliage, often displaying a characteristic serrated edge. During its blooming period, the plant produces numerous small, delicate flowers that are arranged in large, umbrella-like clusters known as umbels, which attract various pollinators to the meadow.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flowers 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Angelica sylvestris has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Diaphoretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Expectorant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Angelica sylvestris has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆