This somewhat weedy biennial is widespread across eastern states. In Ky. colls. from FRAN and perhaps CLAR (KY) are referable to var. grandis Fern., which may be a somewhat distinct, relatively northern taxon but extending south to Ala. and Tex. (F, W). Further study is needed; in some characters, var. grandis suggests a transition to marilandica (F, W and citations). However, despite mostly sharing similar phenology and the same chromosome number (2n = 16), Sanicula species in North America are not known to hybridize. Species of Sanicula are widely reported to have medicinal uses, but there has been little definitive research on North American species. In Europe, S. europea L. is known to produce diverse triterpene saponin glycosides and phenolic acids that probably have significant therapeutic potential for various ailments (e.g. Arda et al. 1997). The distinct chemistry in Sanicula may reflect its near basal position within the phylogeny of Apiaceae (e.g. Li et al. 2020).