Sanicula canadensis (Canadian black snakeroot)

FloraFinder uses cookies only for correct operation. More info. Okay

Sanicula canadensis L.

Canadian black snakeroot

Kingdom	Plantae	Plants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta	Vascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
Division	Magnoliophyta	Flowering plants, also known as angiosperms
Class	Magnoliopsida	Dicotyledons—plants with two initial seed leaves
Subclass	Asteridae	A large class that encompasses asters
Order	Apiales	Includes carrots, celery, parsley, and ivy
Family	Apiaceae	Carrot or parsley family, also includes angelica, anise, caraway, celery, chervil, cicely, coriander/cilantro, cumin, dill, fennel, hemlock, lovage, Queen Anne’s Lace, parsnip
Genus	Sanicula	From Latin sanare, “to heal”
Species	canadensis	“From Canada”

About plant names...

Canadian black snakeroot is a native North American plant.

Identification: Plants are 12-24" (30-60 cm) high. Stems are light green, sometimes furrowed. Leaves often occur in groups of three, and are less than 3" (7.6 cm) long. Flowers are in small clusters, greenish-white, not especially interesting. Seed pods, about ½" (1.3 cm) in diameter, have hooked, Velcro-like bristles.

Don't confuse black snakeroot with the unrelated plant, Canadian black snakeroot. Both of these plants are found in eastern Canada and the eastern United States.

7/27/2009 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton, Massachusetts
≈ 4 × 2½" (10 × 7 cm) ID is uncertain

7/27/2009 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton, Massachusetts
≈ 11 × 17" (28 × 42 cm) ID is uncertain

	*Actaea racemosa*	You are here Sanicula canadensis
Common Name	black snakeroot	Canadian black snakeroot
Plant	Plants reach 10-24" (25-60 cm).	Plants are 12-24" (30-60 cm) high. Stems are light green, sometimes furrowed.
Flowers	White flowers form on tall stalks up to 8' (2.5 m) in height, with the flowering portions up to 20" (50 cm) tall.	Small clusters, greenish-white, not especially interesting.
Leaves	Leaves often occur in groups of three, on thin stems, and are saw-toothed.	In groups of three, and are less than 3" (7.6 cm) long.
Fruit	Black or dark brown seeds.	Seed pods are about ½" (1.3 cm) in diameter, and resemble burrs, with small hooks.
Range/ Zones
Habitats	Rich soils in moist woods, ravines	Rich woods, open rocky woods, thickets
Type	Wild	Wild
Occurrence	Common	Common

Online References:

Missouriplants.com

Illinois Wildflowers

Discover Life

The Vanderbilt University Bioimages web site

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Plants for a Future, a resource and information centre for edible and otherwise useful plants

Sanicula canadensis description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 16 Sep 2020.

Range:

About this map...