How much sun does Black Snakeroot need?

Black Snakeroot grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Black Snakeroot bloom?

Black Snakeroot blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Black Snakeroot native?

Black Snakeroot (Sanicula marilandica) is native to AL, CO, CT, DE and 36 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Black Snakeroot attract?

Black Snakeroot draws bees, beetles, and flies.

Is Black Snakeroot HOA-friendly?

Black Snakeroot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Black Snakeroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sanicula marilandica

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Black Snakeroot (Sanicula marilandica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, CO, CT, DE and 36 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Black snakeroot is a modest woodland perennial that forms clumps of deeply divided, palmate leaves. It produces small clusters of tiny white or greenish-white flowers on branched stems during summer months. This shade-tolerant native prefers partial shade and consistent moisture, making it suitable for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Black Snakeroot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Wildflower appearance may seem too informal for front yards
Can look sparse or weedy when not in bloom
Small flowers are not showy enough for typical landscape expectations

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract various pollinators including native bees, beetles, and flies during its summer bloom period. Seeds provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Black Snakeroot need?: Black Snakeroot grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Black Snakeroot bloom?: Black Snakeroot blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Black Snakeroot native?: Black Snakeroot (Sanicula marilandica) is native to AL, CO, CT, DE and 36 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Black Snakeroot attract?: Black Snakeroot draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Black Snakeroot HOA-friendly?: Black Snakeroot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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