Sanguisorba minor
salad burnet
A herbaceous perennial with pairs of toothed leaflets which form a rosette. Knobbly clusters of crimson flowers, blooming from early summer through to autumn, are followed by burred fruit. The foliage gives out a cucumber-scent when crushed. Traditionally its leaves were used in salads and as a flavouring
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Sanguisorba are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with attractive, pinnate leaves and branched stems bearing terminal spikes of small fluffy flowers with conspicuous stamens
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S.W.C. Eurpoe, N. Africa, Canary Is. SW & C. Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
A native of chalk grassland but will tolerate most soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Garden edging
Pruning
No pruning is required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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