Search

[?]

Open the Advanced Search

Sanicle

Sanicula europaea

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Apiales
Family:
Apiaceae (Carrot)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
40 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Grassland, meadows, rocky places, woodland.

Flower:
֍
White, 5 petals
 
Small umbel-like clusters of pale white to pale pink flowers.
Fruit:
A flattened, oval nutlet. The fruits are covered in hook-shaped spines. 3mm diameter.
Leaves:
Sometimes carpet-forming across the ground. Deeply palmate, between 3 and 5 lobes per leaf. The leaves are dark green, glossy and long-stalked with toothed margins. The upper leaves have shorter stalks. A typical leaf measures a maximum of up to 6cm across.
Aroma:
Aromatic.
Other Names:
European Sanicle, Poolroot, Wood Sanicle.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Sanicula europaea, also known as European sanicle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. It is native to Europe, including the alpine and subalpine regions of the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Carpathians, the Balkans, and the Apennines. It is a herbaceous perennial plant with a perennial rhizome. it has compound leaves with lobed leaflets, and produces small clusters of yellow-green flowers. This species is adapted to grow in a variety of habitats, such as woodlands, grasslands, rocky outcrops and damp meadows. It is also used in traditional medicine for its astringent, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.

Blog

Sanicle, also known as Sanicula europaea, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is native to Europe and can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and hedgerows. Sanicle is a perennial plant that grows up to 50 cm in height and produces small, greenish-white flowers in clusters. The plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its many health benefits.

One of the primary traditional uses of Sanicle is as a natural remedy for wound healing. The plant contains a range of biologically active compounds, including tannins and saponins, that have been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make Sanicle a useful natural remedy for treating cuts, bruises, and other minor injuries.

Sanicle is also believed to have a number of other health benefits. For example, the plant has been used to treat respiratory problems such as coughs and bronchitis. It is also believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system and can be used to treat anxiety and stress.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Sanicle is also a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. The plant is easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types and light conditions.

Sanicle is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries for its many health benefits. Whether used in traditional medicine or as an ornamental plant, Sanicle is a valuable addition to any garden or natural medicine cabinet. If you are interested in exploring the benefits of Sanicle, consider speaking with a healthcare professional or horticulturist to learn more about its many uses and growing requirements.

Sanicle has a long history of use in traditional medicine throughout Europe. The plant was commonly used in folk medicine to treat a range of conditions, including digestive disorders, menstrual problems, and urinary tract infections. In particular, Sanicle was often used to treat female reproductive problems, such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pain during menstruation.

Sanicle has also been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties. Research has shown that the plant contains a range of biologically active compounds that may have anti-cancer effects, including flavonoids and coumarins. Some studies have found that Sanicle extracts may be able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in vitro, although further research is needed to determine the full extent of the plant's anti-cancer properties.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Sanicle has also been used as a food source in some cultures. The young leaves and shoots of the plant can be eaten raw or cooked, and the plant has a slightly bitter taste.

Sanicle is also sometimes used in natural skin care products due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant can be used to help soothe and heal irritated skin, and may be particularly useful for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Sanicle is a fascinating plant with a rich history of traditional use and a range of potential health benefits. Whether used in traditional medicine, as an ornamental plant, or as a food source, Sanicle is a valuable addition to any garden or natural medicine cabinet.

Sanicle is a plant that is relatively easy to grow, making it a great addition to a herb garden or any area that receives partial shade. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. It is also a good option for areas that do not receive a lot of direct sunlight, as Sanicle thrives in partial shade.

One interesting aspect of Sanicle is that it is pollinated by a variety of insects, including bees, butterflies, and flies. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are not particularly showy, but are important for attracting pollinators to the garden.

If you are interested in growing Sanicle, you can start by purchasing seeds or plants from a reputable nursery. The plant can be grown from seed or propagated by division. Once established, Sanicle is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care beyond occasional watering and fertilizing.

In addition to its medicinal and ornamental uses, Sanicle is also sometimes used in traditional folklore and superstitions. In some cultures, the plant was believed to have protective properties and was used to ward off evil spirits and negative energy. Sanicle was also sometimes used in love spells, with the belief that it could help attract a romantic partner.

Sanicle is a fascinating and versatile plant with a rich history of traditional use. Whether you are interested in growing it for its medicinal properties, as an ornamental plant, or simply for its fascinating history, Sanicle is a valuable addition to any garden or natural medicine cabinet.

Sanicle is a plant that has been used in various forms of traditional medicine throughout Europe for centuries. In fact, the plant was so valued for its medicinal properties that it was once known as the "all-heal" herb. It was believed to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including digestive problems, respiratory ailments, and menstrual disorders.

Sanicle is also a plant that has a long history of use in folk magic and superstition. In some cultures, the plant was believed to have the power to protect against negative energy and evil spirits. It was sometimes hung in doorways or worn as an amulet for protection.

Despite its long history of traditional use, there is still much that is not known about Sanicle. While some studies have shown that the plant may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties, much more research is needed to fully understand the plant's potential health benefits.

One thing that is known about Sanicle, however, is that it is a valuable addition to any garden. The plant is easy to grow, and its attractive foliage and delicate flowers make it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, and other landscaping projects. Whether you are interested in Sanicle for its medicinal properties, its ornamental value, or its rich cultural history, there is no denying that it is a plant with a lot to offer.

In addition to its historical and medicinal uses, Sanicle also has a place in modern herbal medicine. It is still used by herbalists today as a remedy for a range of health conditions, including respiratory infections, digestive issues, and menstrual problems. Some herbalists also use Sanicle as a natural remedy for skin irritations, wounds, and other skin conditions.

One of the active compounds in Sanicle is umbelliferone, which has been shown to have a range of health benefits. Umbelliferone is a natural antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential natural remedy for inflammatory conditions like arthritis and asthma.

In addition to its potential health benefits, Sanicle is also a valuable addition to any garden or landscape. The plant is easy to grow, and its attractive foliage and delicate flowers make it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, and other landscaping projects. It is also a valuable plant for pollinators, as the small, inconspicuous flowers provide an important source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Overall, Sanicle is a fascinating plant with a rich history of traditional use and a range of potential health benefits. Whether used in traditional medicine, modern herbalism, or simply as an ornamental plant, Sanicle is a valuable addition to any garden or natural medicine cabinet.


Video

Sanicle filmed at Hutton Roof, Cumbria on the 28th May 2023.

 

Please remember to Like and Subscribe to the WildFlowerWeb YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@wildflower-web

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map