Pacific Sanicle
Sanicula crassicaulis
Also listed as Sanicula menziesii, Aulosolena crassicaulis
Also known as Pacific Black-snakeroot, Western Sanicle, Gambelweed
Climate Match for your location
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Pacific Sanicle is a native wildflower with small white or pink flowers in delicate umbels and distinctive spiky seed heads. It thrives in shaded woodland settings and adds subtle charm to native plant gardens.
Why grow it
Pacific Sanicle offers a delicate, native alternative to introduced woodland groundcovers, with fine-textured foliage and modest flowers that blend into shaded understories rather than dominate them. Unlike some ornamental sanicles, this species is well-adapted to coastal and interior Pacific woodland conditions with minimal supplemental water once established. Its spiky seed heads provide late-season visual interest and support for native insects without requiring deadheading.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistent moisture during its growing season and can decline in very dry summers; mulching helps maintain even soil conditions. Seedlings are slow to establish and benefit from protection in the first year, so patience is needed before the plant reaches mature size.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest, California
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Pacific Sanicle is a native wildflower with small white or pink flowers in delicate umbels and distinctive spiky seed heads. It thrives in shaded woodland settings and adds subtle charm to native plant gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Pacific Sanicle grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Pacific Sanicle offers a delicate, native alternative to introduced woodland groundcovers, with fine-textured foliage and modest flowers that blend into shaded understories rather than dominate them. Unlike some ornamental sanicles, this species is well-adapted to coastal and interior Pacific woodland conditions with minimal supplemental water once established. Its spiky seed heads provide late-season visual interest and support for native insects without requiring deadheading.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistent moisture during its growing season and can decline in very dry summers; mulching helps maintain even soil conditions. Seedlings are slow to establish and benefit from protection in the first year, so patience is needed before the plant reaches mature size.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest, California
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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