Angelica arguta (Sharptooth angelica)

Plant Description: A part of the carrot family, Sharptooth angelica is a native perennial plant that is not commonly found in nurseries. However, they are commonly found in moist and wet foot hills and meadows of western Oregon at mid elevations. They have basal stems that are sometimes a purplish color with leaves that are opposite of each other and have multiple cleft leaflets that are sharply serrated. There are sometimes fine hairs or a kind of waxy grey or bluish powder on the underside of the leaves on their veins. A single peduncle (the stem that attaches the flower heads to the rest of the plant) can be up to 6ft tall, but the leaves tend to stay close to the ground, typically not reaching more than a foot off the ground. Their flower heads have a characteristically carrot-looking umbel shape that are highly dissected and end in small palm-palm-like groupings. 

Height: 1' - 6'
Width: 1' - 2' 
Sun Needs: Full to Part Sun 
Soil Needs: Moist well draining soil
Bloom Time: May - August
Portland Plant List: Yes

Ecological Benefits: Like many carrot species, this angelica has a main tap root that digs deep into the soil, breaking up heavy clays and brining deep nutrients to the top of the soil. They provide habitat for beneficial insects and are commonly foraged by large mammals including deer, elk, and bears. They are commonly found along side Quaking Aspen, Deer fern, Sword fern, Woods rose, showy fleabane, and Tall western meadow rue.