Angelica pubescens

pubescent angelica

Angelica pubescens

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Also known as du huo in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and shishiudo in Japanese medicine, this angelica species is native to just the eastern part of Asia in those two countries.  It has leaves and stems that are covered in long, rough transparent hairs.  This is our first year growing it in our gardens and nursery, and so far it seems to be similar to garden angelica (A. archangelica) in its preference for rich, moist soil and mostly shade with some sun.

It is traditionally used to ease the difficulty of arthritis and any other rheumatism, as well as being a general warming and aromatic bitter.

There are several species of Angelica that grow well here in the Willamette Valley including garden angelica, dong quai, pubescent angelica (du huo), and dahurican angelica (bai zhi).  They are all warming and bitter carminative and digestive aids, and some have additional actions on the lymphatic system and the reproductive system.  Although garden angelica (A. archangelica) is the largest and most mild flavored of them all, it is the only species we grow that is monocarpic.  That is, once it goes to seed, it dies.  The other species are all perennials.