Western snakeroot (Sanicula crassicaulis, Prodr. 4: 84 (1830))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: Poepp. ex DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 4: 84 (1830)

Year: 1830

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sanicula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Washington to Mexico (Baja California Norte), Chile to W. Argentina

Description

Western snakeroot, scientifically known as Sanicula crassicaulis, is a unique and intriguing member of the Apiaceae family. This plant was first described meticulously in 1830 in the Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis, volume 4, on page 84, by the botanists Poepp. ex DC.

Native to a diverse geographic range, Western snakeroot can be found thriving from Washington through to Mexico, including Baja California Norte. Its presence is also noted in South America, spanning from Chile to western Argentina, showcasing its adaptability to various climates and terrains along the western edge of the Americas.

Sanicula crassicaulis is characterized by its robust and somewhat thickened stems, which gives the plant a sturdy appearance. It often thrives in forested or shaded hillside environments, where it contributes to the understory’s complexity. As a member of the Apiaceae family, it bears umbels of small flowers, which can attract a variety of pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of its habitat.

In addition to its ecological role, Western snakeroot has historically been recognized for its purported medicinal properties, although modern usage is less common. Its extensive distribution and adaptability make it an interesting subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, offering insights into the ecosystem dynamics of the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: pacific blacksnakeroot, western snakeroot, pacific sanicle, pacific black-snakeroot, western sanicle
Fra: sanicle à tige charnue
En: Western snakeroot, Pacific blacksnakeroot, Pacific sanicle, Pacific black-snakeroot, Western sanicle
Fr: Sanicle à tige charnue

Synonyms

• Sanicula menziesii var. pedata (Jeps.)
• Sanicula crassicaulis var. tripartita ((Suksd.) H.Wolff)
• Sanicula nudicaulis (Hook. & Arn.)
• Sanicula menziesii var. foliacea (Jeps.)
• Sanicula menziesii var. nudicaulis ((Hook. & Arn.) Jeps.)
• Aulosolena menziesii ((Hook. & Arn.) Koso-Pol.)
• Sanicula menziesii (Hook. & Arn.)
• Aulosolena crassicaulis (Koso-Pol.)
• Sanicula crassicaulis var. menziesii ((Hook. & Arn.) H.Wolff)
• Sanicula diversiloba (Suksd.)
• Sanicula crassicaulis var. genuina (H.Wolff)
• Sanicula tripartita (Suksd.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Argentina South (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Rata (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2020 by Miriam Robertson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by Las IVI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by FACUNDO AVILEZ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by kelly fish (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by FACUNDO AVILEZ (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 13, 2013 by EOL − Elise (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 25, 2013 by EOL − Belinda Lo (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2012 by EOL − Don Loarie (cc-by)

Taken Apr 2, 2012 by EOL − Chris Cook (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by FACUNDO AVILEZ (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 13, 2013 by EOL − Harpo! (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 18, 2009 by EOL − John Brew (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2011 by EOL − Chris Cook (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 6, 2012 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 27, 2015 by EOL − jscherer (cc-by-nc)

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

Fruit

Taken Apr 14, 2013 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034844)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:847822-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sanicula crassicaulis Poepp. ex DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth