Angelica lineariloba
Poison angelica
(c) Tom Hilton, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Apiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Angelica lineariloba (Poison angelica) is a native California herb in the Apiaceae family, recognized by linear leaf segments vs broad leaflets.
Poison angelica is a California native perennial found in the central Sierra Nevada and Sierra Nevada east side mountains on rocky open slopes at elevations of 1,700 to 3,300 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces white flowers in complex umbels with 20 to 40 rays spreading 3 to 7 centimeters wide. Growing 50 to 150 centimeters tall with nearly smooth to slightly rough stems, it develops an upright, open structure. Its large leaves are intricately divided into two to three layers of pinnate segments, with narrow linear leaflets 2 to 10 centimeters long that are sharp-pointed and entire. The mature fruits are oblong to wedge-shaped, measuring 10 to 13 millimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; distinguished by linear leaf segments vs broad leaflets
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky open slopes
Elevation: 1700-3300 m
California counties: Fresno, Mono, Inyo, Tulare, Kern, Madera, Napa
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Angelica lineariloba blooms Jun-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 lineariloba native to California?
Yes. Angelica lineariloba is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Angelica lineariloba bloom?
Angelica lineariloba blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Angelica lineariloba grow?
Angelica lineariloba occurs in Fresno, Mono, Inyo, Tulare, Kern, Madera, Napa, at elevations of 1700-3300 m.
What plant family does Angelica lineariloba belong to?
Angelica lineariloba is in the Apiaceae family, genus Angelica.
What habitat does Angelica lineariloba grow in?
Angelica lineariloba grows in Rocky open slopes.
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.