Angelica genuflexa
Kneeling angelica
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Family: Apiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Angelica genuflexa (Kneeling angelica) is a native California herb in the Apiaceae family, recognized by reflexed primary leaflets and conspicuous bractlets.
Kneeling angelica is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and northern Coast Ranges in streambanks and wet conifer forest areas at elevations below 1,500 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces white flowers in complex umbels with numerous rays spanning 2 to 7 centimeters. Growing 1 to 2 meters tall with glabrous to lightly hairy stems, it develops large compound leaves that are distinctively ovate to triangular-ovate and two to three times pinnately divided. Its leaves feature primary leaflets that are sharply reflexed, with ultimate leaflet segments 4 to 10 centimeters long, lanceolate to ovate, and coarsely serrated or irregularly cut. The fruit is a small, round structure approximately 3 to 4 millimeters in diameter.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; distinguished by reflexed primary leaflets and conspicuous bractlets
Habitat and range
Habitat: Streambanks, wet areas in conifer forest
Elevation: < 1500 m
California counties: Mendocino, Del Norte, Humboldt, Siskiyou, Nevada
Outside California: to Alaska, eastern Asia
Bloom period
Angelica genuflexa blooms Jul-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Heracleum: Angelica has uniform petals across the flower cluster; Heracleum has dramatically enlarged outer petals.; vs Oenanthe: Angelica has coarse leaf segments; Oenanthe has finely divided, almost feathery leaflets.; vs Cicuta: Angelica has a smooth stem base; Cicuta stem base has chambered cross-sections visible when cut.; vs Sambucus: Angelica has umbrella-shaped flower clusters and divided leaves; Sambucus has flat-topped clusters and opposite leaves.; vs Ligusticum: Angelica has a smooth stem base; Ligusticum stem base is wrapped in fibrous leaf remains.
Frequently asked questions
Is Angelica genuflexa native to California?
Yes. Angelica genuflexa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Angelica genuflexa bloom?
Angelica genuflexa blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Angelica genuflexa grow?
Angelica genuflexa occurs in Mendocino, Del Norte, Humboldt, Siskiyou, Nevada, at elevations of < 1500 m.
What plant family does Angelica genuflexa belong to?
Angelica genuflexa is in the Apiaceae family, genus Angelica.
What habitat does Angelica genuflexa grow in?
Angelica genuflexa grows in Streambanks, wet areas in conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.