Herbs, biennial or perennial. Root often stout, conic or cylindric. Leaves petiolate, petiole sheaths conspicuously inflated; blade 1–4-pinnate or 1–3-ternate-pinnate. Umbels compound, terminal and lateral; bracts many or a few, rarely absent; rays many to several; bracteoles many or a few, entire. Calyx teeth obsolete or ovate-triangular. Petals white, rarely pink or dark purple, ovate to obovate, apex incurved. Stylopodium short-conic. Fruit ovoid to orbicular, dorsally compressed; dorsal ribs filiform, lateral ribs broad- or narrow-winged, separated when mature; vittae often 1–2 in each furrow, 2–4 on commissure. Seed face plane or slightly concave. Carpophore 2-cleft to base.

The classification of Angelica and related genera (Archangelica, Coelopleurum, Czernaevia, Ostericum, etc.) is complex and controversial, and many species are known only from a few specimens. A comprehensive revision of this large group, including new collections and analyses of DNA sequence data, is needed before any major changes to the traditional classification can be accepted.

Angelica taiwaniana S. S. Ying (Quart. J. Chin. Forest. 8(4): 125. 1975) was described from Taiwan (“Daikwanzan to kwanzan,” 2800 m, N. Fukuyama s.n., holotype, TAI). However, it is not treated in this account as it is imperfectly known.

Over 90 species: N temperate zone; 45 species (32 endemic) in China.

(Authors: Pan Zehui (潘泽惠); Mark F. Watson)