Sanicula arguta
Sharp toothed sanicle
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Apiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Sanicula arguta (Sharp toothed sanicle) is a native California herb in the Apiaceae family, recognized by turnip-shaped taproot and 7+ sharp-toothed divisions diagnostic.
Sharp toothed sanicle is a California native perennial found in central coastal California, southern coastal ranges, and southwestern California in open grassy or rocky slopes at elevations below 1,400 meters. Flowering from March to April, this plant produces yellow flowers in small clusters with intricate umbrella-like arrangements. Growing 10 to 50 centimeters tall with a distinctive turnip-shaped taproot, it develops minutely rough stems. Its leaves are triangular-ovate, deeply divided into seven or more segments with sharply toothed margins, appearing almost palmately dissected. The fruit develops small, stout, curved prickles that are notably inflated and bulbous at the tips.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; turnip-shaped taproot and 7+ sharp-toothed divisions diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open grassy or rocky slopes
Elevation: < 1400 m
California counties: Santa Barbara, San Diego, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Alameda
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Sanicula arguta blooms Mar-Apr.
How to tell it apart
vs Lomatium: Sanicula has dense round flower heads; Lomatium has flat-topped umbrella-shaped flower clusters.; vs Tauschia: Sanicula flowers are in tight round heads; Tauschia has open umbrella-shaped clusters.; vs Trifolium: Sanicula fruits are covered in hooked bristles; clover has smooth pods and distinctive three-part leaves.; vs Ranunculus: Sanicula has dense ball-like flower heads; buttercup has individual flowers on separate stalks.; vs Delphinium: Sanicula has round green flower heads; Delphinium has tall spikes of blue/purple spurred flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sanicula arguta native to California?
Yes. Sanicula arguta is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Sanicula arguta bloom?
Sanicula arguta blooms Mar-Apr.
Where in California does Sanicula arguta grow?
Sanicula arguta occurs in Santa Barbara, San Diego, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and other counties, at elevations of < 1400 m.
What plant family does Sanicula arguta belong to?
Sanicula arguta is in the Apiaceae family, genus Sanicula.
What habitat does Sanicula arguta grow in?
Sanicula arguta grows in Open grassy or rocky slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.