Wood Sanicle is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodlands and hedgerows, to a mature height of up to 50cm.
Sanicle has been used in historic herbal medicines to treat wounds and the leaves have since been found to contain antiviral compounds. It was also used traditionally as an infusion for gastrointestinal and urinary conditions. Note, however, that the plant contains toxic saponins and should not be used for these purposes or ingested. The presence of established Wood Sanicle can be an indicator of ancient woodland.
Botanic classification and naming: Wood Sanicle is a member of the Carrot (Apiaceae) family. The genus name
'Sanicula' identifies the plant as a Sanicle and its species name 'europaea' means 'European plant'.
Concerns: The plant contains toxic saponins.
Benefits: Sanicle is a food source for caterpillars of the moth species Agonopterix astrantiae, which is rare in the UK.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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