Description
Sanguisorba officinalis | Great Burnet
Great Burnet, also known as Greater Burnet, Common Burnet, Official Burnet, Fancymans Burnet, Burnet Bloodwort, and Meadow Pimpernel, is a distinctive herbaceous perennial flower found throughout Europe, Asia, Japan and North America where it grows naturally in damp meadows, forest edges, and along riverbanks. Its celebrated for its tall, wiry stems adorned with deep red, bobble flowerheads. Each deep red flowerhead is comprised of numerous tiny, densely-packed flowers.
Blooming from mid to late summer, these elegant flowers rise above attractive, pinnate foliage, adding vertical interest and movement to garden landscapes. It is valued for its long blooming period and ability to attract pollinators, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
Sanguisorba, the genus name, refers to the use of various members of this group of plants for ‘absorbing blood’ – in other words to stem bleeding.
The leaves of Great Burnet are sometimes collected to use in salads, and they are reported to taste rather like cucumber. (Not to be confused with Salad Burnet Sanguisorba minor, which is a different plant that’s shorter and has less spectacular flowers.)
Easy to grow from seed.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Height: 3-3.5 ft
Mature width- 2-3 ft
Hardiness zones: 3-10
