Sanicula canadensis
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Sanicula floridana
- Phonetic Spelling
- sa-NIK-yoo-la ca-na-DEN-sis
- Description
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Canadian black snakeroot is a low-growing herbaceous perennial in the carrot family (Apiaceae). It is native to woodlands across eastern North America, the Midwest and the Great Plains. The species epithet is Latin and means “of Canada,” where it was first recorded by European botanists.
Plant in partial shade or shade, in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils. A location with morning sun would also be suitable.
Canadian black snakeroot does not have showy flowers, nor are they particularly attractive to insects, although Halictid bees and Syrphid flies are known to visit the flowers. The massive, bur-like, inferior ovaries overwhelm the tiny, green flowers. The fruits dry and detach as burs and entangle in clothing and, most troublesome, in the fur of dogs.
Canadian black snakeroot is a groundcover, useful for the native plant garden. This plant can become weedy, self-seeding where it is not wanted, so use caution when introducing it to a garden.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Sanicula
- Species:
- canadensis
- Family:
- Apiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Wildlife Value:
- This species is the preferred host of the aphid Aphis saniculae.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Schizocarp
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is a 2-seeded bur. It can become attached to clothing, hair and fur.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Umbel
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are insignificant and not showy.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Papery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Hairs Present:
- No
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Native Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Diseases
- Heavy Shade
- Insect Pests
- Problems:
- Problem for Dogs
- Weedy
