Pronounced (approximate): san-IK-yoo-lah mar-ih-LAN-dih-kah
Small pale greenish-white flowers cluster in rounded heads. Branched stalks hold several compact flower clusters above the foliage.
Maryland Black Snakeroot (Sanicula marilandica): close view of small flower clusters. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Apiaceae
Life cycle Herbaceous perennial
Blooms Late spring–summer
Height 1–3 feet
Habitat Rich woods, shaded ravines, slopes, and streambanks
Common names
Maryland Black Snakeroot · Maryland Sanicle · Black Sanicle
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Rich woods, shaded ravines, slopes, and streambanks. Flowering season: late spring–summer.
Several sanicles look similar. Examine flower and fruit details as well as the divided leaves.
Small pale greenish-white flowers cluster in rounded heads.
Leaves are palmately divided into toothed or lobed segments.
Look for herbaceous perennial growth in rich woods, shaded ravines, slopes, and streambanks. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
4 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it.
Native across Canada and much of the northern, central, and eastern United States.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AL, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Maryland Black Snakeroot in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.