Black snakeroot (Sanicula marilandica, Sp. Pl.: 235 (1753))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 235 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sanicula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to U.S.A.

Description

Black snakeroot, scientifically known as Sanicula marilandica, is a notable member of the Apiaceae family. First described in Carl Linnaeus’s “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this plant has a rich history of study and documentation. It is predominantly found in regions stretching from Canada down to various parts of the United States, showcasing a broad adaptability to differing climates and ecosystems within North America.

This perennial herb typically thrives in woodland environments and shaded areas, where it contributes to the biodiversity and ecological balance of its habitat. It is characterized by its tall, robust structure and its distinctive compound leaves that are divided into three to seven lance-shaped leaflets. The plant often grows between 60 to 90 centimeters in height, supporting its dark green foliage which forms a striking contrast in the understory of forests.

During the blooming season, Sanicula marilandica produces small, inconspicuous flowers that can range in color from greenish to white, grouped together in compact clusters called umbels. These flowers play a significant role in attracting various pollinators, thus aiding in the reproduction and propagation of the species. Following pollination, the plant produces small fruits, which are equipped with bristles, facilitating their dispersal by attaching to animals and potentially increasing the plant’s range.

In traditional medicine, Black snakeroot has been utilized by Indigenous peoples and early settlers for its purported therapeutic properties, such as treating snake bites and other ailments, although modern use is less common and generally not recommended without proper guidance from a healthcare professional.

As a plant of notable ecological and historical interest, Black snakeroot continues to be a subject of study for botanists and naturalists who seek to understand the diverse flora of North America. Its enduring presence and adaptability underscore its importance within the habitats it occupies, making it a fascinating species worthy of continued observation and preservation.

Common Names

Eng: black snakeroot, maryland sanicle, maryland black-snakeroot
Fra: sanicle du maryland
En: Black snakeroot, Maryland sanicle, Maryland Black-Snakeroot, BLACK SANICLE
Fr: Sanicle du Maryland

Synonyms

• Sanicula marylandica (DC.)
• Caucalis marilandica ((L.) Crantz)
• Sanicula canadensis var. marilandica ((L.) Hitchc.)
• Sanicula marilandica var. borealis (Fernald)
• Triclinium marilandica ((L.) Raf.)
• Sanicula marilandica var. petiolulata (Fernald)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 30, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 30, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 28, 2015 by EOL − botany08 (cc-by)

Taken Jun 28, 2015 by EOL − botany08 (cc-by)

Taken Jun 28, 2015 by EOL − botany08 (cc-by)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Danielle Mccloy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2020 by Sean Hen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2015 by EOL − botany08 (cc-by)

Taken Jun 26, 2020 by TIMOTHY PLACEK (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 17, 2020 by Sean Hen (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 9, 2015 by EOL − yasingi (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034845)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:284602-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sanicula marilandica L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth