There are many different types of Angelica. This elegant plant in the carrot family called Brewer's angelica is native to the Sierra Nevada Range and the high mountain ranges of eastern California that flowers from June through August. The rounded cluster of blossoms of this plant radiate out from the center of the stalk, and to me this cluster resembles fireworks! In botanical terms, it is called a compound umbel.
About Angelica breweri
This tap-rooted perennial herb has an erect hairy stem that is hollow and rather stout. The stem which can grow up to six feet high is commonly found in coniferous forests. It is distinguished by its large leaves and many leaflets that have serrated edges. The most eye-catching part of this plant is the umbel composed of up to 50 long rays holding clusters of hairy white flowers. The flowers have five small white petals that surround five large white stamens and a greenish-white pistil.
Traditionally, the most common use of Angelica breweri was to make a decoction of the roots to treat colds, coughs, and chest ailments. The Miwok, Paiute, Shoshoni, and Washo, all used the roots in this way. The Miwok traditionally rubbed the roots on their body to ward off snakes and the Paiute and Shoshoni mashed the roots and applied them to cuts and sores as an antiseptic. The Shoshoni made a poultice of pulped roots and applied this mixture to the chest to treat pneumonia. They made and used a decoction of the roots as a wash for venereal disease.
Angelica breweri is great source of food for bees and butterflies.
This plant is a larval food source for anise swallowtail butterflies.
The Shoshoni used the smoke from the roots as a treatment for distemper in horses.
Angelica comes from the Latin angelicus, "angelic", which in turn comes from the Greek, angelos meaning messenger of god.
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