Care Disclaimer: Plant care recommendations are general guidelines based on common growing conditions. Individual results may vary based on your local environment, climate, and care routine. If your plant is toxic, keep it away from children and pets, and consult a veterinarian if accidental ingestion occurs.
1.Angelica Gigas — Overview
Angelica gigas Nakai, commonly known as Korean Dang-gui, is a robust perennial herb in the Apiaceae family. It is native to the mountainous regions of Korea, China, and Japan. Striking deep purple stems distinguish this species, and they can reach 1 to 2 meters in height (3 to 6.5 feet).
The large leaves are deeply lobed and toothed, with a dark green color. They often develop purplish tints, especially on the petioles and undersides, which adds to the plant's ornamental appeal.
In late summer to early autumn, Angelica gigas produces large, compound umbels of intricate flowers. These flowers range from dark purple to nearly black, and they are a magnet for pollinators. Unlike some other Angelica species, the flowers of A.
gigas are notably darker, which gives it a distinctive look. The plant thrives in cool, moist, and partially shaded environments with well-drained, fertile soil.
Its substantial taproot is thick and fleshy, and it accumulates a rich array of bioactive compounds. This taproot is the primary part used in traditional medicine.
The species forms an integral part of traditional Korean herbal medicine. People revere it for specific therapeutic properties that differ from other Angelica varieties.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Angelica Gigas:
Angelica Gigas should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
Angelica Gigas (Angelica gigas) is maintained in this recovery file as a complete garden profile with practical care, safety, and identification context. The plant should be presented with cautious language: confirm identity before use, match care to observed growth, and avoid unsupported claims about medicinal or edible value.
1.1.Angelica Gigas — Key Features
- Traditional Korean Herb — A cornerstone of Korean traditional medicine (KTM) for centuries.
- Potent Pyranocoumarins — Contains unique compounds like decursin and decursinol angelate.
- Neuroprotective Properties — Supports brain health, memory, and cognitive function.
- Analgesic & Anti — inflammatory — Effective in pain relief and reducing inflammation.
- Women's Health Tonic — Traditionally used for menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
- Distinctive Morphology — Characterized by tall purple stems and dark purple flowers.
- Adaptogenic Potential — May help the body adapt to various stressors.
- Circulatory Support — Contributes to healthy blood flow and vascular integrity.
- Antioxidant Activity — Helps combat oxidative stress and cellular damage.
- Research — Backed — Growing scientific evidence supports many traditional uses.
1.2.Angelica Gigas — Quick Summary
- Korean Dang-gui: A revered root in traditional Korean medicine.
- Rich in pyranocoumarins: Decursin, decursinol angelate, decursinol are key active compounds.
- Diverse benefits: Supports cognitive function, pain management, women's health, and anti-inflammatory processes.
- Distinctive plant: Known for its tall stature and striking purple stems and flowers.
- Important cautions: Photosensitivity and potential interactions with blood-thinning medications.
- Research focus: Extensive studies on its neuroprotective and anticancer potential.
2.Angelica Gigas — Scientific Identity
3.Angelica Gigas — Categories & Tags
4.Angelica Gigas — Appearance & Identification
5.Angelica Gigas — Water Requirements
- Soil Preference — Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
- Light Requirements — Prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but can tolerate full sun if moisture is consistent.
- Watering — Requires consistent moisture; do not allow the soil to dry out completely, but avoid waterlogging.
- Propagation — Primarily propagated by fresh seeds, which require cold stratification for optimal germination, or by root division in early spring or late autumn.
- Spacing — Plant seedlings or divisions 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) apart to allow for mature growth and spread.
- Fertilization — Benefits from organic compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring.
- Pest and Disease Management — Generally robust, but monitor for aphids and slugs; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
- Harvesting — Roots are typically harvested in the autumn of the second or third year, after the plant has accumulated maximum medicinal compounds.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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