Black Snakeroot, Canadian Blacksnakeroot

Sanicula canadensis

suh-NIK-uh-luh  ka-na-DEN-sis

Synonyms of Sanicula canadensis (4) (Updated on 11-14-23 from Plants of the World Online): Caucalis canadensis (L.) Crantz, Sanicula canadensis var. genuina Fernald, Sanicula canadensis var. typica H.Wolff, Sanicula marilandica var. canadensis (L.) Torr.
Synonyms of Sanicula canadensis var. canadensis (4) (Updated on 11-14-23 from POWO): Sanicula canadensis var. floridana (E.P.Bicknell) H.Wolff, Sanicula floridana E.P.Bicknell, Sanicula triclinaria St.-Lag., Sanicula triclinium DC.

Plants of the World Online lists no synonyms for Sanicula canadensis var. grandis Fernald.

Sanicula canadensis L. is the accepted scientific name for the Black Snakeroot. The genus and species were both named and described as such by Carl von Linnaeus in the first volume of the first edition of Species Plantarum in 1753.

Accepted Infraspecific Names: *Sanicula canadensis var. canadensis (autonym), Sanicula canadensis var. grandis Fernald. *When infraspecific taxon are named, an autonym (“type-specimen”) is automatically generated whose description is closest to the (original) species. Infraspecific taxon have their own list of synonyms. Both are found in Missouri… 

As of 11-14-23 when this page was last updated, Plants of the World Online by Kew lists 45 species in the Sanicula genus. It is a member of the plant family Apiaceae with 447 genera. Those numbers could change as updates are made on POWO.

The above distribution map for Sanicula canadensis is from Plants of the World Online. Areas in green are where the species is native. The map on the USDA Plants Database is the same.

The map on iNaturalist shows where members have made observations. Anyone can join and it is a great website to confirm and share your observations. The maps on iNaturalist are continually updated as members post observations.

THERE ARE SEVERAL LINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR FURTHER READING AND TO HELP WITH A BETTER POSITIVE ID.

I had been wildflower hunting in the south hayfield on my farm on June 15 and 16 and decided to cross the fence to get on the Katy Trail that runs along the south side of the farm. The grass was so thick and tall in the hayfield and pasture I didn’t want to fight it again walking back to the house. So, I just climbed over the fence and worked my way through the trees to the trail. I found several species of wildflowers along the trail including this Sanicula canadensis commonly known as the Black Snakeroot. I have not seen these growing on my farm so I was glad I spotted it and took a few photos. The Missouri Plants website says they flower from May through July so I found it in the nick of time.

I apologize for not writing descriptions at the moment. I am busy updating plant pages and writing new pages for wildflowers I identified over the summer (plus adding more photos to previously published pages). Writing descriptions in my own words can be a lengthy process, so I decided to just make new pages and come back later and write the descriptions. This is a winter project but sometimes I get behind and it takes longer. I need to continually update because plant names change, the number of species and genera fluctuates, and I want to be as accurate as I can. Several very good websites below can help with a positive ID. We are all a work in progress.

There are more photos from 2022 and 2023 at the bottom of the page. I will rearrange them when I write descriptions…

 

I need to get better close-ups of the flowers to show their hooked bristles.

I have enjoyed photographing and learning about the many wildflowers growing on the farm and in other areas. The farm is in Windsor, Missouri in Pettis County (Henry County is across the street and Benton and Johnson aren’t far away). I have grown over 500 different plants and identified over 100 species of wildflowers (most have pages listed on the right side of the page). I am not an expert, botanist, or horticulturalist. I just like growing, photographing, and writing about my experience. I rely on several websites for ID and a few horticulturalists I contact if I cannot figure them out. Wildflowers can be somewhat variable from location to location, so sometimes it gets a bit confusing. If you see I have made an error, please let me know so I can correct what I have written.

I hope you found this page useful and be sure to check the links below for more information. They were written by experts and provide much more information. Some sites may not be up-to-date but they are always a work in progress. If you can, I would appreciate it if you would click on the “Like” below and leave a comment. It helps us bloggers stay motivated. You can also send an email to me at thebelmontrooster@yahoo.com. I would enjoy hearing from you especially if you notice something is a bit whacky.

FOR FURTHER READING:
PLANTS OF THE WORLD ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
INTERNATIONAL PLANT NAMES INDEX (GENUS/SPECIES)
TROPICOS (GENUS/SPECIES)
WIKIPEDIA (GENUS/SPECIES)
USDA PLANTS DATABASE
DAVE’S GARDEN
MISSOURI PLANTS
iNATURALIST
WILDFLOWER SEARCH
ILLINOIS WILDFLOWERS
MINNESOTA WILDFLOWERS
KANSAS WILDFLOWERS AND GRASSES
PFAF (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE)
GO BOTANY
LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER
FLORA FINDER
MASSACHUSETTS DIV. FISHERIES & WILDLIFE
MARYLAND BIODIVERSITY PROJECT
MINNESOTA SEASONS
 

NOTE: The data (figures, maps, accepted names, etc.) may not match on these websites. It depends on when and how they make updates and when their sources make updates. Some websites have hundreds and even many thousands of species to keep up with. Accepted scientific names change periodically and it can be hard to keep with as well. Some of the links may use a name that is a synonym on other sites. In my opinion, Plants of the World Online by Kew is the most reliable and up-to-date plant database and they make updates on a regular basis. I make updates “at least” once a year and when I write new pages or add new photos but I do get behind. We are all a work in progress. 🙂

Photos from 2022…