Growing Various Species of Angelica as a Forest Crop in the Midwest

Landowners who wish to have economically viable woodland without destroying the lot are turning to medicinal herb production versus timbering. These herbs also re-introduce locally extinct species to North Central Region pastures.

Objectives: 1) To determine the viability of five Angelica species of medicinal herbs, 2) to grow Angelica as a commercial forest cash crop, 3) to provide high quality, sustainably produced medicinal herbs for the rapidly growing herbal medicine market, and 4) to compare the production ease and quality of European/North American and Chinese species.

Traditional Chinese doctors, holistic American doctors, and Native American medicine men use each of the five species:

Sinensis - encourages healthy blood for women.

Dahurica - relieves nasal congestion.

Pubescentis - treats chronic fatigue and weakness, relieves lower backache and leg cramps.

Archangelica - relieves menstrual pain and heavy bleeding, adds flavors to Benedictine and Chartreuse liqueurs.

Atropurpurea - relieves menstrual pain and heavy bleeding.

The producer planted 260 to 300 Angelica seedlings in cages to deter deer grazing. She left some varieties in the cages, while others outgrew theirs.

Results: The project was extended to gather production, harvesting, and marketing data.