Pacific Black-snakeroot

Sanicula crassicaulis

perennial herbView on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade

Water

very low

Size

3–7ft tall

Native Range

Coastal scrub and oak woodlands of coastal California from Mendocino to Monterey County, below 3000 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Pacific Black-snakeroot in part shade, where it will thrive in the Bay Area's drier conditions. This plant has a taproot, so choose a location where you can plant it and leave it undisturbed - it's not one to move around. Space according to its mature height of 3 to 7 feet, keeping in mind it will grow into a substantial perennial.

After Planting

Once established, Pacific Black-snakeroot is extremely low-maintenance, requiring very low water - essentially no supplemental watering in most Bay Area years once the roots are established. Expect the plant to go dormant or die back seasonally; this is normal behavior for this native perennial. Avoid overwatering, which is the easiest way to kill a plant this drought-tolerant.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Silvery blue butterflyGlaucopsyche lygdamus

California Threatened; Species of Special Concern

CA: Threatened, CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported