Angelica wheeleri[1][2] is a rare species of Angelica, a perennial herb in the Apiaceae (carrot) family, endemic to the state of Utah in the United States. The common names for A. wheeleri are Utah angelica or Wheeler's angelica.[3] A. wheeleri was named by Sereno Watson in 1873.[4]
Angelica wheeleri can grow to 2 meters (6.5 feet) or taller, a distinguishing feature along with its primary opposite leaves. It has a hollow stem and white umbel flowers that bloom between June and August.[5] These flowers produce small, dense, and hairy green fruits.[6] These seeds are lime green and appear similar in shape to a watermelon, consistently around five millimeters long.[3] A. wheeleri grows in wet riparian areas, or seeps and springs.
Angelica wheeleri is rare, and has only be found in as few as 11 locations across 6 counties in Utah (Cache, Salt Lake, Utah, Juab, Sevier, and Piute). It is found in elevations between 1524 and 3050 meters. As a wetland plant native to a desert climate, A. wheeleri is at risk from rising temperatures and longer summers,[3] urban development, stream channelization, water diversions, and other watershed and stream alterations, recreation, and invasive exotic plants.[6] A. wheeleri was also found in the scat of black bears in the Hobble Creek area, a sign on natural herbivory that may also present risk to this plant.[3]