Sanicula europaea

RHS Plant Profile
sanicle

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Other common names

wood sanicle

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Herbaceous Perennial
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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

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand, Clay

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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