When does Angelica atropurpurea bloom?

It typically flowers from June through August, producing large rounded umbels of small white to greenish white flowers atop tall purple stems.

What pollinators visit Angelica atropurpurea?

Bees, beetles, wasps and flies are drawn to its flat, exposed flower clusters, which offer easy access to nectar and pollen.

What growing conditions does Angelica atropurpurea need?

It prefers consistently moist to wet soil in part sun to part shade, and is often found along stream banks, in wet meadows and at the edges of swamps.

Is Angelica atropurpurea evergreen or does it die back each year?

It is a deciduous herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground each fall and regrows from its root crown in spring.

Is American Angelica HOA-friendly?

American Angelica takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Angelica

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Angelica atropurpurea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Angelica atropurpurea is a tall wetland forb with purple stems and rounded white flower clusters that bloom from June through August, growing well in wet meadows, marshes and stream banks in the northeastern and midwestern United States.

Toxicity unknown

American Angelica (Angelica atropurpurea) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

36"–96" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CT, DE, IA, IL and 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, wasps, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Northern Piedmont Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

American angelica is a tall, dramatic native wildflower that produces large umbrella-shaped clusters of small white flowers in summer. This moisture-loving plant can reach up to 8 feet tall and thrives in partial shade with consistent water.

Growing American Angelica

Grow American Angelica in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Angelica takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very tall height (up to 8 feet) appears uncontrolled
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare stems
Wild, unstructured appearance doesn't fit formal landscaping

Wildlife value

The large flower clusters attract diverse pollinators including native bees, beneficial wasps, beetles, and flies. Seeds provide food for birds in fall.

Common questions

When does Angelica atropurpurea bloom?: It typically flowers from June through August, producing large rounded umbels of small white to greenish white flowers atop tall purple stems.
What pollinators visit Angelica atropurpurea?: Bees, beetles, wasps and flies are drawn to its flat, exposed flower clusters, which offer easy access to nectar and pollen.
What growing conditions does Angelica atropurpurea need?: It prefers consistently moist to wet soil in part sun to part shade, and is often found along stream banks, in wet meadows and at the edges of swamps.
Is Angelica atropurpurea evergreen or does it die back each year?: It is a deciduous herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground each fall and regrows from its root crown in spring.
Is American Angelica HOA-friendly?: American Angelica takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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