Sanicula marylandica - Maryland Sanicle

Family:	Umbelliferae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Synonyms:
Range:	North-eastern and Central N. America - Newfoundland to Alberta, Georgia and Colorado.

Sanicula marylandica (Maryland Sanicle) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Maryland Sanicle will flower in November to January. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Maryland Sanicle will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Maryland Sanicle prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Maryland Sanicle can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Rich woods, meadows and shores[21, 43].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade[200]. Strongly dislikes poor thin soils[31]. Prefers a loamy or calcareous soil[9, 17].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The root is astringent, nervine and expectorant[21, 61]. A tea made from the thick root has been used to treat menstrual irregularities, pain, kidney ailments, rheumatism and fevers[222]. A decoction of the root has been used to cause vomiting in order to counteract a poison[257]. It makes a useful gargle for treating sore mouths and throats[21]. The powdered root has also been popularly used to treat intermittent fever and chorea (St. Vitus' Dance)[21]. The root is also poulticed and applied to snakebites[222].

• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• Emetic - Induces vomiting.
• Expectorant - Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
• Miscellany - Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
• Nervine - Stimulates and calms the nerves.

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but the following notes are for the related S. europaea. Stratification improves the germination rate. If possible sow the seed in the autumn, sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. It is best to sow the seed in situ in a woodland soil under trees If seed is in short supply it is probably wise to sow it in pots of woodland soil in a shady place in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Known Hazards

Although no mention has been seen for this species, the leaves of at least two other members of the genus contain saponins[179]. Although toxic, saponins are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm, they are also destroyed by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Gray's Manual of Botany.
Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950

An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada
Britton. N. L. Brown. A.
Author: Britton. N. L. Brown. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Reprint of a 1913 Flora, but still a very useful book.
Date of Publication : 1970

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