sanicle (Sanicula spp.)
Genus Sanicula, commonly called Sanicle or Snakeroot, is a genus of
about 40 species of biennial or perennial herbaceous flowering plants in
Family Apiaceae (or Umbelliferae), native worldwide. The PLANTS
database lists 22 species occurring in the United States and Canada
(many of these species are highly restricted in disribution), three of
which are known to occur in Facquier County: 1) Sanicula canadensis
L. var. canadensis (Canadian blacksnakeroot), 2) Sanicula marilandica L. (Maryland sanicle), and 3) Sanicula odorata (Raf.) K. M. Pryer & L. R.
(clustered blacksnake- root). Specimens of Sanicula have been observed
in Sky Meadows State Park, although it is uncertain which specific species.
Further research will need to be conducted to determine the status of San
icula species in the park.
Sanicula are biennial or perennial herbs with leaves palmately divided or
compound, having 3 - 5 (occassionally 7) divisions. The basal leaves are
long petioled with the upper leaves nearly sessile. Leaflets are serrate or
cut. There are few broad and leaflike involucral bracts. Umbelss irregular,
compound, sometimes more like clusters. Flowers greenish or yellowish,
perfect or staminate in reproductive form. Calyx-lobes narrow, united
at base, and persistent. Flowers sessile or on short pedicels; ovaries dense-
ly covered with hooked bristles. Staminate flowers, if present, on longer
pedicels, not bristly. The fruit is oblong, ovoid, or nearly spherical, flat-
tened laterally. Obscure or absent ribs on fruit.
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