Purple Sanicle (Sanicula bipinnatifida) is a native species found in Victoria, BC, and throughout much of western North America. It is a member of the Apiaceae family, which includes other plants such as carrots, parsley, and dill.
Purple Sanicle is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 50 cm in height. It has deeply lobed, fern-like leaves and produces small clusters of purple or white flowers in the summer. The plant prefers moist, shady areas and is often found in forests, meadows, and along streams and riverbanks.
Purple Sanicle has historically been used for medicinal purposes by Indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest. The plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, sore throats, and stomachaches. The leaves of the plant are also sometimes used as a tea.
In addition to its medicinal properties, Purple Sanicle has ecological value as a host plant for a number of butterfly species, including the Sara Orangetip and the Anise Swallowtail.
References:
Pojar, J., & MacKinnon, A. (2004). Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska. Lone Pine Publishing.
Turner, N. J., & Łuczaj, Ł. J. (2019). Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain and Ireland. Bloomsbury Publishing.
While there is no specific information on the edibility of Purple Sanicle (Sanicula bipinnatifida), the plant has historically been used for medicinal purposes by Indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest. The leaves of the plant have been used to make a tea that is said to have a pleasant taste.
However, it is important to note that just because a plant has been used for medicinal purposes does not necessarily mean that it is safe or palatable to eat. If you are interested in consuming Purple Sanicle or any other wild plant, it is important to properly identify the plant and ensure that it is safe to eat.
Additionally, it is important to respect the cultural and ecological significance of wild plants, and to harvest them sustainably and ethically. This may involve obtaining permission from Indigenous communities and practicing responsible harvesting techniques to avoid damaging or depleting wild populations.
References:
Pojar, J., & MacKinnon, A. (2004). Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska. Lone Pine Publishing.
Turner, N. J., & Łuczaj, Ł. J. (2019). Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain and Ireland. Bloomsbury Publishing.
