Many of the Angelicas are architectural in appearance, and this one, Angelica gigas is no exception, with its globose, red-purple umbels.
Commonly known as the Korean Angelica in reference to it occurring naturally in Korea, as well as China and Japan, this is an attractive, late-flowering, herbaceous perennial. It appreciates cool, moist conditions, and is well-suited to the streamside border in which it can be seen.
Inspection of the terminal umbel will show that it comprises many smaller, individual flowers. The stem has a reddish-purple tint, as do the conspicuous leaf sheaths. As with other members of the carrot family (Umbelliferae, or Apiaceae) they are very effective at attracting pollinators.