This biennial occurs in east-central states, and is largely restricted to relatively deep woods on mesic fertile soils (Hawkins et al. 2007). In contrast to other eastern species of Sanicula, trifoliata has staminate flowers on longer pedicels (ca. 3-8 mm versus 0.5-3 mm); and it has larger fruit (ca. 6-8 mm long versus 3-6 mm), including calyx lobes that are connivent into a 2-2.5 mm beak (Cr, W).