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Herbaceous Perennial

Sanicula europaea
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

sanicle

A native perennial plant that grows to 60cm tall, with glossy, coarsely-toothed, dark green leaves with wedge-shaped lobes, and pinkish or greenish-white flowers in tight spherical umbels from late spring to summer, followed by bristly fruits

Other common names
wood sanicle
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green White Green
Summer Pink Green White Green
Autumn Green Green Brown
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Sanicula are a genus of woodland perennial herbs growing to around 60cm high. The lobed leaves are green and glossy and small pinkish flowers appear from tight umbels, followed by bristly fruits that stick to animal fur or clothing, which are distributed freely this way.

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil, best in dappled shade but sun tolerant; ideal for woodland groundcover

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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