Burnet Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry', also known as Burnet, is a striking perennial recognized for its unique and ornamental appeal. This plant produces small, dense, bottlebrush-like flowers that exhibit a deep cranberry color, giving the plant its distinctive name. The blooms of Burnet are held atop slender, upright stems that elegantly sway with the breeze, adding a graceful and dynamic element to any garden. The foliage of Burnet forms a clump of pinnate leaves, which are compound with multiple leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis. The leaves themselves are deep green and may have a slightly blue-tinged hue, contributing to the lushness of the plant. The texture of the leaves can be described as finely serrated or saw-toothed along the edges, giving them a somewhat feathery appearance from a distance. Overall, the Burnet plant exudes a natural, meadow-like charm. With its robust flowering spikes and attractive foliage, it serves as both a focal point and a complement to other plants in a garden setting. Its richly colored blossoms contrast beautifully with the greenery, making the Burnet an appealing choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance and a hint of wild beauty to their landscape.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Cangshan Cranberry, Greater Burnet.
- Common names
  Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The common name of Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry' is Burnet. Generally, Burnet is not considered toxic to humans. It is in fact sometimes used in herbal medicines and as an edible plant in salads and other culinary applications. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning by this plant in humans, and it is not included in lists of toxic plants. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause adverse reactions in some people upon ingestion or contact, so caution should be exercised if a person is not familiar with their tolerance to Burnet.
- To pets
  The common name of Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry' is Burnet. There is no known toxicity to pets such as dogs and cats from the ingestion of Burnet. This plant is not listed as toxic to pets by major animal poison control resources. As with any non-food item, ingesting large amounts of plant material could potentially cause mild stomach upset or intestinal blockages, especially in smaller pets, but Burnet is not known for containing any specific toxins that would cause poisoning in domestic animals. Owners should always monitor their pets around plants and seek veterinary advice if any unusual symptoms occur after ingestion.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Cranberry
- Height
  3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
- Spread
  2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  4-9
- Native area
  China

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its deep red blooms and attractive foliage.
- Attracts Wildlife: Provides nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of dry weather, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers from midsummer to early fall, offering long-lasting color in the landscape.
- Cold Hardy: Can survive in colder climates, making it a good choice for northern gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, ideal for gardeners seeking low-effort plants.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Edibility: Young leaves can be eaten in salads, adding a unique element to culinary use.
Medical Properties
- Antioxidant effects: Some species of Sanguisorba, including S. officinalis, have been shown to possess antioxidant properties.
- Anti-inflammatory action: Extracts from Sanguisorba have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for treating various inflammatory conditions.
- Hemostatic properties: Traditionally, Sanguisorba has been used for its ability to help stop bleeding.
- Gastrointestinal aid: There is historical use of Sanguisorba species for treating gastrointestinal conditions due to their astringent properties.
- Antimicrobial activity: Certain compounds in Sanguisorba have presented antimicrobial effects against various microorganisms.
This information should be taken as a general reference, and it is essential to consult healthcare professionals for specific medical advice. Additionally, the scientific evidence for these uses may vary in robustness, and some of the purported benefits may stem from traditional uses rather than well-established clinical research.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Fabric Dye: The deep shades of Sanguisorba can be used to naturally dye fabrics, offering an alternative to artificial coloring agents.
- Floral Arrangements: The distinctive flowers of the Sanguisorba make it a beautiful addition to dried floral bouquets or as a unique element in fresh flower arrangements.
- Garden Design: Sanguisorba provides a vertical accent in garden borders and beds, making it useful for landscape designers seeking interesting textures and forms.
- Erosion Control: Due to its robust root system, Sanguisorba can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil.
- Wildlife Shelter: Dense plantings of Sanguisorba can offer shelter to small animals and insects, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Eco-Friendly Craft Material: The strong stems of Sanguisorba can be harvested and used in eco-friendly craft projects, such as making natural wreaths or decorations.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely recognized for culinary uses, the distinctive foliage and flowers can serve as an edible garnish on special dishes for an unexpected twist.
- Photography Prop: The unique appearance of Sanguisorba makes it a coveted subject for photographers, especially those focusing on garden and plant photography.
- Companion Planting: Sanguisorba can benefit vegetable gardens by attracting beneficial insects that can aid in the pollination of crops.
- Livestock Forage: In rural regions, some species of Sanguisorba are used as a source of forage for livestock, although it's essential to ensure it's safe and palatable for the specific animal.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Burnet is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Burnet is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Healing: Sanguisorba is known in herbal medicine for its healing properties, symbolizing the ability to heal physical and emotional wounds.
- Protection: The plant has been used historically to ward off evil spirits and misfortune, symbolizing safety and protection.
- Harmony: The balanced growth and form of the plant can symbolize harmony and balance in life.
- Perseverance: As a hardy plant, it represents the ability to endure challenging conditions and symbolizes perseverance and resilience.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry', commonly known as Chinese Burnet, prefers consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged. Water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each plant. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot. It's best to water in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize evaporation and allow the plant to fully utilize the moisture.
Light
Chinese Burnet thrives in full sun to partial shade. It does best with at least six hours of sunlight each day, though it can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions. For optimal growth and flowering, choose a spot that receives morning sun and partial afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the day.
Temperature
Chinese Burnet is a hardy plant that can withstand a range of temperatures. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable in summer temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, keep this plant in an environment where the temperature ranges between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
Pruning
Pruning Chinese Burnet encourages healthy growth and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy. Prune the plant back by one-third in early spring to promote bushier growth and more flowering stems. Deadheading, or the removal of spent blooms, can be done throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking tidy. The best time to do heavy pruning is when new growth begins to appear in spring.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for the Burnet 'Cangshan Cranberry' should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, such as a blend of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand. This perennial prefers a soil pH of about 6.0 to 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
Repotting
Burnets typically do not need frequent repotting; repot 'Cangshan Cranberry' every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the growing season.
Humidity & Misting
Burnet 'Cangshan Cranberry' grows best in average humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments; indoor humidity should mimic this if grown inside, avoiding excessive dryness or dampness.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, moderate watering, and good air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Hardiness zone
  4-8 USDA
Life cycle
Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry', also known as Greater Burnet, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in spring or autumn, germinating in moist soil. After germination, seedlings develop a rosette of pinnate, basal leaves, and as they mature, they form a deep root system that prepares them for perennial growth. In the following growing seasons, the plant produces tall, erect stems that bear dense, bottlebrush-like spikes of cranberry-red flowers in mid to late summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Post-pollination, these flowers develop into small, dry fruit (achenes) that contain seeds, which are dispersed by wind and animals, continuing the reproductive cycle. As a herbaceous perennial, Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry' enters a period of dormancy in the fall when the above-ground foliage dies back with the onset of cold weather, while the root system remains alive underground. In spring, new growth resumes from the surviving roots, repeating the cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The Sanguisorba 'Cangshan Cranberry', commonly known as Burnet, can be propagated by seed, division, or basal cuttings, with division being the most popular method. The ideal time to divide Burnet plants is in the spring as they emerge from dormancy or in the fall after flowering has finished. To propagate by division, gently lift the mature plant out of the ground with a garden fork, being careful not to damage the root ball. The clump should then be separated into smaller sections by either gently teasing apart the roots by hand or using a knife for tougher clumps. Each section should have a portion of roots and several shoots. These divisions can then be replanted into well-prepared soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart, to allow ample room for growth. It's important to water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them.