What is "sanicula"

Snakeroot \Snake"root`\, n. (Bot.) Any one of several plants of different genera and species, most of which are (or were formerly) reputed to be efficacious as remedies for the bites of serpents; also, the roots of any of these.

Note: The Virginia snakeroot is Aristolochia Serpentaria; black snakeroot is Sanicula, esp. S. Marilandica, also Cimicifuga racemosa; Seneca snakeroot is Polygala Senega; button snakeroot is Liatris, also Eryngium; white snakeroot is Eupatorium ageratoides. The name is also applied to some others besides these.

Sanicula is a genus of plants in family Apiaceae (or Umbelliferae), the same family to which the carrot and parsnip belong. This genus has about 40 species worldwide, with 22 in North America. The common names usually include the terms sanicle or black snakeroot.