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Sanicula canadensis L.

Canadian black snakeroot

KingdomPlantaePlants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
SubkingdomTracheobiontaVascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
DivisionMagnoliophytaFlowering plants, also known as angiosperms
ClassMagnoliopsidaDicotyledons—plants with two initial seed leaves
SubclassAsteridaeA large class that encompasses asters
OrderApialesIncludes carrots, celery, parsley, and ivy
FamilyApiaceaeCarrot or parsley family, also includes angelica, anise, caraway, celery, chervil, cicely, coriander/cilantro, cumin, dill, fennel, hemlock, lovage, Queen Anne’s Lace, parsnip
GenusSaniculaFrom Latin sanare, “to heal”
Speciescanadensis“From Canada”

About plant names...

Canadian black snakeroot is a native North American plant.

Identification: Plants are 1-2′ (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.

 

Sanicula canadensis (Canadian black snakeroot)

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

Sanicula canadensis (Canadian black snakeroot)

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

 
Actaea racemosa
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Sanicula canadensis
Common Name

black snakeroot

Canadian black snakeroot
Plant Plants reach 10-24″ (25-60 cm). Plants are 1-2′ (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 1½′ (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:

Illinois Wildflowers

Discover Life

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.

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Range:

About this map...