American Great Burnet
Sanguisorba canadensis
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Pl. E674 — Sanguisorba canadensis
Sanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensisSanguisorba canadensis
IOverview
Overview
American Great Burnet, scientifically known as Sanguisorba canadensis, is a perennial forb or herb native to regions including Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Labrador. This plant thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light: full sun to partial shade. It grows up to 1.2 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to gardens or landscapes where it can serve both ornamental and culinary purposes. One distinctive feature of American Great Burnet is its ability to adapt to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, while maintaining hardiness in zones 4-8.
Quick answers
What is American Great Burnet?
American Great Burnet, scientifically known as Sanguisorba canadensis, is a perennial forb or herb native to regions including Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Labrador.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
American Great Burnet thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 1.2 meters tall. Propagate through division of the roots in early spring. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow American Great Burnet for the first time
8steps
Start with American Great Burnet as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0-7.5; amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors before transplanting.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during establishment.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade and water when dry. Prune dead foliage in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to maintain shape; harvest leaves as needed for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The American Great Burnet's leaves are edible and can be used in various ways. They are often eaten raw in salads or cooked as a spinach substitute. The leaves can also be dried for later use. Skip the preparation details to maintain brevity.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
28 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
28 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 28 native· 1 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)United Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Labrador, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · e674853a-4082-4f22-81d9-734df2497680
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