California angelica
Angelica californica
Last reviewed: September 2026
California angelica (Angelica californica) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees, flies, and beetles.
Toxicity unknown
California angelica (Angelica californica) 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 shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–72" H × 18"–36" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, flies, beetles
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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Tall, coarse-leaved perennial in the carrot family with large compound leaves and broad flat-topped clusters of small white flowers in late spring, growing along streambanks and in moist shaded canyons.
Growing California angelica
Grow California angelica in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Host plant for anise swallowtail.
The flat flower clusters attract a wide diversity of small pollinating insects, and the foliage serves as a larval host plant for the anise swallowtail butterfly.
Common questions
- How much sun does California angelica need?
- California angelica grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does California angelica bloom?
- California angelica blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is California angelica native?
- California angelica (Angelica californica) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does California angelica host?
- California angelica is a larval host plant for anise swallowtail.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California angelica? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.