Great Burnet Sanguisorba officinalis 'Arnhem'
ABOUT
Sanguisorba officinalis 'Arnhem', commonly known as Great Burnet, is a perennial plant that features pinnate leaves which are divided into multiple leaflets. These leaflets are usually oval in shape with a toothed margin. The foliage tends to be a deep green, providing a lush backdrop for the flowers. The most distinctive characteristic of the Great Burnet is its inflorescence. The plant produces dense, elongated flower heads that consist of tightly packed, small, deep red to burgundy flowers. These flowers resemble tiny, bottle-brush spikes, and they bloom atop tall, erect stems that rise above the foliage. The flowers are favored by gardeners for their long-lasting quality and their ability to add vertical interest to a garden space. The roots of Great Burnet are known for forming clumps, and the overall appearance of the plant is that of a tidy, yet naturalistic presence, suitable for a variety of garden settings. Its richly colored flowers and structured foliage make it a popular choice among garden enthusiasts seeking to create a dynamic visual contrast within their plant compositions.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Great Burnet, Official Burnet, Garden Burnet, Salad Burnet.
Common names
Sanguisorba officinalis.
ToxicityTo humans
Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis 'Arnhem') is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no common reports of poisoning or adverse health effects from ingesting or handling this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is always prudent for individuals to exercise caution if they are not familiar with how their body might react.
To pets
Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis 'Arnhem') is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. However, as with humans, individual pets might have sensitivities or allergies. If a pet ingests a large quantity of any non-food plant, it could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If any unusual symptoms are observed after ingestion by a pet, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Sanguisorba officinalis 'Arnhem', commonly known as Great Burnet, is attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Ornamental Value: With its tall, bottlebrush-like deep red flowers and textured foliage, Great Burnet is sought after for its striking appearance in gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Great Burnet is known for its ability to withstand periods of drought, once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system of Great Burnet helps to stabilize soil and can be effective in preventing erosion on slopes and banks.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides food and habitat for various wildlife species, contributing to a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
- Long Blooming: Great Burnet has a lengthy flowering period, from midsummer to early autumn, offering prolonged visual interest in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient option for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Culinary Use: The young leaves of Great Burnet are edible and can be used in salads and other dishes for a cucumber-like flavor.
- Adaptability: It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity: Sanguisorba officinalis, also known as Great Burnet, has been known to possess antioxidant properties, which can help in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: The plant is traditionally used for its potential to reduce inflammation.
- Hemostatic action: Great Burnet has been recognized for its ability to promote blood clotting and is traditionally used to manage bleeding.
- Gastrointestinal benefits: It has been used in herbal medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and dysentery.
- Antimicrobial properties: There are anecdotal and traditional references to the plant having antimicrobial effects, helping to fight certain infections.
- Skin health: Historically, Great Burnet has been applied to wounds and skin ailments due to its purported healing effects on the skin.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Source: Extracts from the roots of Sanguisorba officinalis, also known as great burnet, can be used to produce a natural red dye for textiles.
- Companion Planting: Great burnet can be used in gardens to attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators and predators of common pests, thereby supporting the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
- Soil Stabilization: With its deep root system, great burnet is often planted to help prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Culinary Garnish: The distinctive maroon-colored flower spikes of great burnet can be used as an edible decoration in salads and cold dishes.
- Fish Food: In aquaculture, dried or fresh leaves of great burnet may serve as a dietary supplement for some types of fish, owing to their nutrient content.
- Tannin Source: The roots of great burnet can be used to extract tannins, which are useful in leather tanning and in clarifying beer and wine.
- Sustainable Packing Material: Dried stems and leaves of great burnet, due to their fibrous nature, can be used as a natural, biodegradable packing material.
- Decorative Dried Arrangements: The seed heads and flowers of great burnet dry well, retaining their shape and color, making them a good addition to dried decorative arrangements.
- Botanical Illustration: The complex structure of great burnet's flowers makes it a subject of interest for botanical illustrators and artists specializing in plant portraits.
- Photography Subject: The unique appearance of great burnet, especially when in bloom, can provide an attractive subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in nature and macro photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Great Burnet is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Great Burnet is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Sanguisorba officinalis, commonly known as Great Burnet, has been used in traditional medicine, which often lends the symbolic meaning of healing and health.
- Protection: In the past, some believed that Great Burnet had protective qualities, possibly because of its astringent properties, symbolizing safety and defense against harm.
- Harmony with nature: Growing naturally in meadows and pastures, Great Burnet represents a connection to the natural world and living in balance with the environment.
WaterGreat burnet should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. During the growing season, you may need to increase watering to twice per week if the weather is particularly hot or dry. About 1-2 gallons of water per plant is usually sufficient for each watering session, but this can vary depending on soil type and climate. It's essential to avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
LightGreat burnet thrives in full sun, where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It can also tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be less abundant. The best spot for the plant is an area that has bright, unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day.
TemperatureGreat burnet is hardy and can survive in a wide range of temperatures, typically faring well in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to -30°F and maximum temperatures as high as 85°F, although it prefers a temperate climate. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50°F and 70°F.
PruningGreat burnet should be pruned to remove spent flower heads and encourage a second bloom. Pruning can also help maintain a neat appearance and promote air circulation within the plant. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back the previous year's growth to ground level annually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGreat burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis 'Arnhem') thrives best in a well-drained soil mix rich in organic matter. For an ideal mix, combine garden loam, compost, and some sharp sand to improve drainage. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGreat burnet does not typically require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil. Divide clumps in spring or autumn as needed for propagation rather than routine repotting.
Humidity & MistingGreat burnet prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to various conditions and is relatively tolerant to both high and low humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Choose full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSanguisorba officinalis 'Arnhem', commonly known as Great Burnet, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in spring, often requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, seedlings establish and develop a rosette of pinnate basal leaves. As the plant matures, it develops upright stems and a deep root system, becoming a hardy perennial. Throughout late spring to late summer, the Great Burnet blooms with dense, dark red flower spikes that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, seeds form and are dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. In autumn, aerial parts of the plant die back to the ground, while the roots survive through winter to regenerate the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Great Burnet 'Arnhem', scientifically known as Sanguisorba officinalis 'Arnhem', is by dividing the plant. The best time to do this is in the spring just as new growth appears or in the fall when the plant's growth slows down. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep a large amount of soil around the roots. The clump should then be gently pulled apart into smaller sections, ensuring that each has a decent amount of roots attached. Replant the divisions promptly, spacing them about 12 to 15 inches (approximately 30 to 38 cm) apart to give them room to grow. It's important to water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method allows gardeners to quickly increase their stock of Great Burnet 'Arnhem' and share with others.
