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Great Burnet

Sanguisorba officinalisfam. Rosaceae
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edibleperennialedibleedible fruitedible leafherbornamentalperennial
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Sanguisorba officinalis (Great Burnet) — botanical photograph
Pl. 323A — Sanguisorba officinalis
Sanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalisSanguisorba officinalis
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Overview

Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) is a perennial herb belonging to the Rosaceae family, native to Denmark. This adaptable plant thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, with a preferred pH range of 7–7.5. Great Burnet is known for its ability to grow in both dry and moist conditions, making it suitable for a range of habitats. Its distinctive features include a light, airy growth habit, reaching up to 1 meter in height, and its versatility in various garden settings. The edible leaves of Great Burnet have been used for centuries, primarily in the preparation of tea. This plant's hardiness spans from USDA zones 4-8, indicating its suitability for temperate regions. Great Burnet's ornamental value also makes it a popular choice for gardens, where it can add a touch of natural beauty with its airy form and green foliage. While Great Burnet is not traditionally used for medicinal purposes, its leaves can be enjoyed as a mild, slightly astringent tea. However, it is important to exercise caution when consuming any plant, as individual reactions can vary.

Quick answers

What is Great Burnet?

Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) is a perennial herb belonging to the Rosaceae family, native to Denmark. This adaptable plant thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, with a preferred pH range of 7–7.

Compare with:Flowering Currant→Hippophae neurocarpa→Pyrus x salvifolia→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Great Burnet thrives in light to moist or wet conditions and prefers well-draining soils of medium consistency, such as loam. It is hardy from zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial herb requires full sun to partial shade and benefits from a pH range of 7–7.5. For propagation, gardeners can use division or seed sowing. Harvest the edible leaves throughout the growing season.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Great Burnet for the first time

8steps

Great Burnet is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that's perfect for beginners.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose well-draining soil with a pH of 7–7.5. Ensure containers have good drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost, or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants in spring.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun to partial shade, and water when the top inch of soil dries out. Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and health. Cut back any yellowing leaves.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to deadhead flowers.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Tannin
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

74 native · 75 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 74 native· 75 introduced
Europe46 regions
native (23)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (23)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia16 regions
native (8)ChinaIranJapanKazakhstanMongoliaSouth KoreaTaiwanTurkey
introduced (8)ChinaIranJapanKazakhstanMongoliaSouth KoreaTaiwanTurkey
Americas3 regions
native (1)United States
introduced (2)PeruUnited States
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Maine, Michigan, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Sakhalin, Transcaucasus, Tuva, Washington, Yakutskiya, Yugoslavia, Yukon
introduced:Altay, Amur, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Maine, Michigan, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Sakhalin, Transcaucasus, Tuva, Washington, Yakutskiya, Yugoslavia, Yukon
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Sanguisorba officinalis (Great Burnet) — botanical photograph
Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
XII

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