Angelica (Garden/Herb/Wild Angelica, Holy Ghost, Wild Celery)
Feed Sparingly
- Common Name: Angelica (Garden/Herb/Wild Angelica, Holy Ghost, Wild Celery)
- Latin Name: Angelica archangelica; Angelica sylvestris
- Family Name: Apiaceae/Umbelliferae
Angelica is a large biennial plant, producing only leaves in the first year, and the tall stalk holding the flowers in the following year. Most parts of the plant contain furocoumarins which, if in contact with the skin, can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight in humans and there is also some evidence that it can cause eye problems in reptiles. It is therefore not one we would recommend feeding to tortoises, although it would not cause any harm if some is accidentally nibbled.
Angelica can possibly be confused with some of the other plants with flowers in the umbel shape which are highly toxic, so ensure you have identified your plant correctly. All parts of the plant produce a sweet fragrance.
Although often found in the wild, Angelica is also grown in gardens for its ornamental value, and for its young stems which are often used as a food ingredient in baking.
Angelica can possibly be confused with some of the other plants with flowers in the umbel shape which are highly toxic, so ensure you have identified your plant correctly. All parts of the plant produce a sweet fragrance.
Although often found in the wild, Angelica is also grown in gardens for its ornamental value, and for its young stems which are often used as a food ingredient in baking.