Angelica atropurpurea
Purple stemmed Angelica
 
Angelica atropurpurea, or purple-stemmed angelica, is the kind of plant that knows how to make an entrance—towering 4 to 6 feet tall with bold, hollow purple stems and huge umbrella-like clusters of greenish-white flowers that demand attention. A true lover of moisture, it thrives in wet meadows, streambanks, and swampy edges where its dramatic stature looks right at home. Blooming in early to midsummer, it draws in swarms of pollinators, from bees to butterflies, all eager to visit its impressive flower umbels. There’s an almost architectural quality to its presence—like nature’s version of a gothic cathedral spire—making purple-stemmed angelica a statement piece for any damp corner of the garden.
 
photo by Ryan Hodnett