Notes for Sanicula arctopoides: This member of the Apiaceae (carrot) family is also referred to as “bear's-foot sanicle” or “footsteps of spring” (E-Flora, USDA Plants Database). Seven species occur within this genus in BC with two including S. arctipoides being provincially red listed and federally listed as at risk.
Distribution: Elevation: 0-100 m In North America this species is limited to disjunct populations along the Pacific Northwest from central California to the northern end of its range on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island. Of the 13 historic populations documented along a narrow coastal distribution in the Greater Victoria area (from Bentinck Island northeast to Sidney) 9 remain (GOERT 2002, Parks Canada 2006)
in British Columbia.
Description: Height 300 mm Emerging from a taproot, this herbaceous biennial wildflower has a short lifespan, dying back once it flowers in its second year. As with many members of the Sanicula genus, plant stems radiate out from a central point. Stems can grow low and horizontal to the ground or upright. The yellowish to yellowish-green and somewhat fleshy leaves grow from the plants base forming a rosette. The three-lobed 25-60 mm long Stem leaves have irregularly toothed margins. Flowers of this sanicle species are made up of a number of small bright yellow flower heads. These flowers arise from a single point (umbel). Bracts protrude out past the flower head, forming a star-like ring around the umbel. The 2-5 mm dry, egg-shaped fruits are covered in hooked prickles and split open to disperse the seeds when mature.
Look’s Like? There are other sanicle species that share habitat associations with S. arctipoides including purple and Pacific sanicle. Of these Pacific sanicle has similar yellow flower heads but lacks the basal rosette of leaves and long distinctive bracts. As well Pacific sanicle is more likely to be found within the sheltered grassy niches and slightly deeper, moister soils that occur in associated sanicle habitats.
Primary Habitat: As with many marine headland and Garry oak meadow species this annual is tolerant of continuous sun, wind and salt spray and favours southern, eastern or northeastern aspects. Other associated native wildflowers include species of birds-foot trefoil and owl clover. These communities also tend to contain large amounts of invasive alien pasture grasses such as orchard-grass and brome species (Parks Canada 2006)
Secondary Habitat: Populations also occupy seasonal seepages that occur on slightly sloping exposed rocky outcrops along the shoreline that dry up toward the end of summer.
Critical Features: Snake-root sanicle is distinctly shade intolerant and is usually found growing within communities that form headland meadows and grasslands near the ocean. Trees, shrubs and other species which can create shade canopies are distinctly lacking.
Seasonal Life Cycle
Jan / Feb / Mar / Apr / May / Jun / Jul / Aug / Sep / Oct / Nov / Dec*Plants die-back during summer/fall drought periods, re-sprouting if late summer rains occur. Plants grow slowly through the winter. The prickly fruit are dispersed by animal transport or wind dispersed when dried stems break off.
Habitat Guild: Sea level to low elevation wildflower meadows, Garry Oak woodlands and marine bluffs, rock outcroppings and seeps.
Threats
q The preferred ecological associations of this species are geographically limited and subject to urban development and associated habitat loss.
q While this plant appears to have robust recruitment rates and relatively good survival within existing populated sites, fragmentation effects from adjacent development may be a barrier to seed dispersal and colonization to other suitable sites.
q Disturbance and trampling from outdoor recreation activities.
q Competition for nutrients and shading from associated vascular plants and subsequently expansion of other more shade tolerant species.
q Fire suppression has led to increased spread and encroachment of competitive plant species (i.e. vascular plants) including several invasive species.
Key Conservation & Management Objectives
q Assess actual level and extent of threats to existing populations.
q A targeted inventory is needed to determine if undiscovered populations exist elsewhere within the Coast Region and to assess the status of all known populations.
q Monitor existing populations on an ongoing basis to assess viability and reduce potential disturbance from land use activities. Where suitable habitat occurs, work with land managers and land owners to ensure development or recreational activities do not disturb or encroach on sensitive areas.
q Consider historic distribution as part of developing a reintroduction program to suitable sites.
q Conduct outreach to raise awareness of this species and how to identify it to improve distribution knowledge
q Prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants, especially aggressive competitors like Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry, which can be difficult to control once they are established. When controlling invasive plants, take precautions to minimize disturbance.
q Meet objectives for this species and the conservation of its habitat as set out in the “Recovery Strategy for Multi-species at Risk in Maritime Meadows Associated with Garry Oak Ecosystems in Canada”.
q Sightings, specimens, or observations of activities threatening its habitat should be reported to the regional Species at Risk Biologist at the Ministry of Environment office.
Main References/Literature Cited
Parks Canada Agency. 2006. Recovery Strategy for Multi-species at Risk in Maritime Meadows Associated with Garry Oak Ecosystems in Canada. In Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Ottawa: Parks Canada Agency. 93 pps.
Species at Risk in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in British Columbia. 2002. Sanicula arctopoides Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team.
Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington Natural Heritage Program and the U.S.D.I. Bureau of Land Management. 2003. Sanicula arctopoides H. & A., “bear’s foot sanicle”. 2pps.
International Forest Products Limited and BC Ministry of Environment. 2003. A Field Guide to Species at Risk in the Coast Forest Region of British Columbia
Develop With Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia.
BC Species & Ecosystems Explorer (BC Conservation Data Center Summary Report)
NatureServe Explorer
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
E-Flora Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia
USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database
Image credits:
Snake-root Sanicle: Eric Hunt
Pacific Sanicle: Walter Sigmund
Habitat: jennjezebel (Flickr)
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Draft 2010
Disclaimer: This species account and related conservation recommendations are draft only and presently under review and subject to change.