This beautiful flower/weed stood out while walking along the shore in late October.
In Christian lore, Angelica manifested as a cure for the plague in an Archangel’s dream, becoming for that reason, one of the most important healing herbs. The leaf stalks have traditionally been used as a celery substitute, while the leaves are aromatic and have a slight liquorice flavour and are used in salads. The roots and seeds are used to make an essential oil to flavour ice cream, drinks, sweets and some bakery products. Its seeds are also one of the principal flavouring agents in vermouth, Chartreuse, and gin. (Angelica is commonly mistaken for Hogweed, Cow Parsnip and Queen Anne’s Lace – any contrary opinions on what is pictured above, please feel free to comment)