What Is Ashitaba?

Learning how to grow ashitaba from seeds begins with understanding what makes this plant special. Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei koidzumi) is a fast-growing perennial herb native to Japan’s Izu Islands, where it has been used for centuries for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Its common name, “Tomorrow’s Leaf,” reflects one of its most remarkable qualities: harvest a leaf today and a new one appears tomorrow.

The plant belongs to the carrot family (Apiaceae) and is closely related to other members of the Angelica genus. The true medicinal variety is identifiable by its distinctive yellow sap visible inside the stem when cut — the sap contains chalcones, rare bioflavonoids associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ashitaba grows as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 7–10, where a mature plant can reach up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. In colder climates, it is typically grown as an annual or overwintered indoors. Its bold, broad leaves make it as ornamental as it is useful, and it can be cultivated successfully in containers, raised beds, or open garden borders.