Small Burnet

(Sanguisorba minor)

Small Burnet (Sanguisorba minor)

Andreas Rockstein

CC BY-SA 2.0

Image By: Andreas Rockstein

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Andreas Rockstein | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: anro0002 | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Sanguisorba minor, commonly known as Small Burnet, is a semi-evergreen perennial herb native to a range of habitats including grasslands, meadows, and rocky hillsides across Europe, extending to the Mediterranean region. It typically grows to a height of 1 foot (0.3 meters) and spreads 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Small Burnet has pinnate leaves that are bluish-green and retains its foliage in mild winters, giving it a semi-evergreen characteristic. The plant produces small, dense, globular flower heads that are greenish at first but mature to purplish-red, blooming in late spring to early summer. The flowers are not particularly showy but have a unique appearance that adds texture to garden settings.

Small Burnet is valued for its low maintenance, drought tolerance, and the fine texture of its foliage. It is often used in herb gardens, as an edging plant, or in naturalized meadow plantings. It is also appreciated for its culinary uses; the leaves have a cucumber-like flavor and are used in salads and as a garnish. In terms of cultivation, Small Burnet prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including those with poor fertility. It requires moderate watering but can withstand periods of drought once established. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from rust or powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-2 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Green, Red
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Grasslands, meadows, and rocky hillsides across Europe, extending to the Mediterranean and Afghanistan

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: , Sanguisorba minor, Poterium sanguisorba subsp. sanguisorba, Sanguisorba minor subsp. minor, Pimpinella sanguisorba, Poterium dictyocarpum, Sanguisorba minor subsp. dictyocarpa, Poterium guestphalicum, Poterium maroccanum, Sanguisorba sanguisorba

GBIF Accepted Name: Poterium sanguisorba subsp. sanguisorba