Great Burnet Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn'

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae

• Synonyms

  Blackthorn Pimpernel, Blackthorn Burnet

• Common names

  Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn', commonly known as Great Burnet, is not typically considered toxic to humans. There is limited information on its toxicity, but it is not commonly reported to cause poisoning when touched or ingested. However, as with many plants, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially occur. Consuming any plant not specifically identified as edible is generally discouraged due to the potential for adverse reactions. If someone has ingested Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn' and is feeling ill, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

• To pets

  Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn', commonly referred to as Great Burnet, is not widely known to be toxic to pets. There is no substantive evidence to suggest that this plant poses a significant risk of poisoning to animals if ingested. However, as with any non-food plant, it is possible for pets to experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume this plant in large quantities. Owners should always monitor their pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants, and if any signs of illness occur after ingestion, they should contact a veterinarian.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Red

• Height

  3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4-9

• Native area

  Temperate Northern Hemisphere

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn' has striking dark-purple to almost black flowers that add a unique aesthetic to gardens and landscapes.
• Attracts Wildlife: The flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
• Low Maintenance: It is a hardy perennial that requires minimal upkeep once established, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn' can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with limited water access.
• Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long flowering season, often from midsummer into fall, providing extended interest in the garden.
• Deer Resistance: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
• Cold Tolerant: Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn' is tolerant of cold temperatures and can survive in cooler climates, which makes it versatile for various garden zones.
• Positive Effect on Ecosystem: It contributes to the biodiversity of the garden by providing habitat and food sources for various insects and birds.
• Versatile Usage: The plant can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, wildflower meadows, and naturalistic plantings.
• Cut Flower: Its unique flowers make it an excellent candidate for fresh or dried floral arrangements.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn' may contain compounds that help reduce inflammation.
• Antibacterial: Some studies suggest it has potential antibacterial effects.
• Antioxidant: The plant may contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
• Hemostatic: Traditionally, it has been used to stop bleeding.
• Gastrointestinal aid: It might be beneficial for treating gastrointestinal disorders.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Sanguisorba 'Blackthorn', commonly known as Burnet, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving a range of colors from greens to browns depending on the mordant used.
• Burnet is sometimes incorporated in potpourri mixes because of its interesting seed head shape, adding texture and visual appeal to the mixture.
• The dried seed heads of Burnet can be used in floral arrangements to provide a striking contrast to other flowers and are valued for their long-lasting qualities.
• In garden landscapes, Burnet can sometimes be used as a companion plant to deter certain pests from more susceptible garden plants.
• Burnet, with its robust growth habit, can be planted as a ground cover to prevent soil erosion in areas where other plants might struggle to thrive.
• The root system of Burnet can be used in rain gardens or water purification projects as they help in filtering pollutants from runoff water.
• Burnet may be used in educational projects to help students learn about pollination as it attracts various bee species and other pollinators.
• In some regions, Burnet leaves are used as a food wrap, offering a sustainable way to package and preserve perishable goods naturally.
• Due to its unique leaf shape and texture, Burnet is also used in craft projects, such as leaf printing art or nature-inspired decorations.
• Burnet can be grown as a border plant to define garden spaces, pathways, or property lines due to its upright and clumping form.

Feng Shui

The plant Blackthorn is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Blackthorn is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: Sanguisorba officinalis is commonly known as Great Burnet, historically used for its medicinal properties, suggesting the symbolic meaning of healing and soothing ailments.
• Purity: The deep red, almost black color of Great Burnet's spherical flower heads can be seen to symbolize purity or cleansing of the blood, due to the plant’s traditional use in blood purification.
• Protection: In some cultures, Great Burnet was believed to offer protection against evil and harm, possibly due to its astringent qualities and association with blood.
• Harmony: The way Great Burnet's flowers form a tight-knit, harmonious sphere might symbolize unity and togetherness in social or community contexts.
• Perseverance: As a plant that can thrive in challenging environments, Great Burnet could represent the ability to endure and persist through difficulties.