This native biennial grows up to 3 feet tall. The three 3-parted, toothed leaves surround an erect stem (A). A few tiny greenish-white flowers are found on the developing burs which form clusters at the ends of its branches (B). The oval burs are arranged in longitudinal rows; they have bristles with hooks. Unfortunately two plants share this common name. The other Black Snakeroot (Sanicula gregaria) starts to bloom about a month earlier. The few tiny flowers of Sanicula canadensis are greenish-white; those of Sanicula gregaria are many and greenish-yellow.
Grows along woodland trails, flowering in June and July. In Fontenelle Forest, uncommon, for instance along Hidden Lake Trail. At Neale Woods, common along Neale Trail.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.