Pacific Blacksnakeroot

Sanicula crassicaulis

Native to:
Argentina, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Apiaceae
Genus:
Sanicula
Species:
Sanicula crassicaulis
USDA Symbol:
SACR2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Agonopterix oregonensis

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
small mammals, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds may exhibit erratic germination; cold stratification improves rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Soak seeds in fresh water for 24 hours. Cold stratify in the refrigerator for 6 weeks.

Establishment: There are variations in the protocols, particularly in pre-treatment and germination rates. The chosen protocol is based on the higher germination rate. Seeds are collected between May 1st and July 1st. Mature inflorescences are brown. Fruits are rounded and prickly, 2 to 5 mm wide.

Source: npn.rngr.net