Sanicula canadensis, commonly known as Canadian blacksnakeroot, is a biennial or perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including mesic deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and shaded areas in the eastern and central United States, Quebec, Ontario, Texas, and Wyoming. It typically grows 1 to 4.5 feet tall and features compound leaves that are broad and serrated. The plant produces small, whitish-green flowers clustered in umbels from late spring to early summer, which are modest in appearance but attract a variety of pollinators. The bur-like fruit, which splits into two seeds, is notable for its hooked bristles that catch onto fur and clothing, aiding in seed dispersal.

Canadian blacksnakeroot is valued for its adaptability to shade and its use in naturalistic plantings, particularly in woodland gardens and shaded borders. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring moist, well-drained soil and part shade to full shade conditions. While not commonly used for culinary or medicinal purposes, it is sometimes planted for its ecological benefits, such as providing food for caterpillars of certain butterfly species. Gardeners should note that while it is not aggressive, it can self-seed in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0