Canadian black snakeroot is a low-growing herbaceous perennial in the carrot family (Apiaceae). It is native to woodlands across eastern North America, the Midwest and the Great Plains. The species epithet is Latin and means “of Canada,” where it was first recorded by European botanists. Plant in partial shade or shade, in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils. A location with morning sun would also be suitable. Canadian black snakeroot does not have showy flowers, nor are they particularly attractive to insects, although Halictid bees and Syrphid flies are known to visit the flowers. The massive, bur-like, inferior ovaries overwhelm the tiny, green flowers. The fruits dry and detach as burs and entangle in clothing and, most troublesome, in the fur of dogs. Canadian black snakeroot is a groundcover, useful for the native plant garden. This plant can become weedy, self-seeding where it is not wanted, so use caution when introducing it to a garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.