What is the flower meaning of Dahurian angelica? Let us help you understand its symbolism

Dahurian angelica (Angelica dahurica) is a tall perennial herbaceous plant, often growing under forests, at forest edges, beside streams, in thickets and valley areas; it is widely cultivated for medicinal use in the northern provinces of China. Dahurian angelica blooms from July to August. Does the Dahurian angelica flower actually have a flower meaning? What is its flower meaning? Let us take a look together below!

What is the flower meaning of Dahurian angelica?

Dahurian angelica flower meaning: fortitude, persistence and longing.

Morphological characteristics of the Dahurian angelica flower

The Dahurian angelica flower is a compound umbel borne terminally or axillary, with the main peduncle 10-30 cm long. The involucre is absent or consists of 1-2 enlarged sheath-like bracts, the involucel has 14-16 narrowly lanceolate bracteoles that are longer than or equal to the pedicels, the calyx is absent, and there are 5 white ovate-lanceolate petals with acuminate tips that curve inward; there are 5 stamens with slender filaments extending beyond the petals, the ovary is inferior and 2-locular, and there are 2 short styles, with the base being yellowish-white or white.

The story and legend of Dahurian angelica

It is said that when Su Shi served as the governor (mayor) of Hangzhou, he had a deep friendship with an old monk at the temple on Santai Mountain, and they often discussed poetry together. Once, the two were talking with great enthusiasm and did not stop until late at night. It was already early autumn, and the night was as cool as water. On his way home from the mountain temple, Su Dongpo caught a chill, and the next day he felt a headache and nasal congestion, which was very uncomfortable. When the old monk heard about this, he sent someone to bring a packet of medicinal herbs, saying that decocting them in water and taking them would have an excellent effect.

After taking it, Su Dongpo indeed recovered, so he made a special trip up the mountain to thank the old monk and to ask what this "miracle cure" was. Only then did he learn that it was the Chinese herb Dahurian angelica, a genuine local medicinal material specialty of Hangzhou, hence the name "Hang Bai Zhi" (Hangzhou Dahurian angelica); because of its fragrant odor, it is also called "Xiang Bai Zhi" (fragrant Dahurian angelica).