Biennial or perennial herb to 2 m tall with a thick stem. Leaves 2-3 times pinnate, the lobes oval, 5-12 cm long and irregularly toothed or cut, the terminal one usually divided into 3, bases swollen on upper leaves. Flower heads 8-15 cm wide, with 20-40 rays, each small cluster with many linear bracts at the base; spring to early summer. Flowers greenish to cream. Fruit to about 8 mm long, ridged and winged.
Eurasia
A. atropurpurea L., Alexanders (Great Angelica), from N America is similar but has dark purple stems; it is occasionally used for medicinal purposes and sold in a few herb nurseries.
A. pachycarpa Lange, Glossy Angelica, from Spain is clearly distinguished by its extremely glossy and slightly curled leaves.
Source: (2002). Apiaceae. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.