Chinese Burnet Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Stand Up Comedian'

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae.

• Synonyms

  Narrowleaf Burnet, Chinese Burnet, Slender-leaf Burnet.

• Common names

  Poterium tenuifolium, Sanguisorba tenuifolia, Sanguisorba officinalis var. tenuifolia.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Burnet is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to humans. There is no widely known documentation of toxicity or poisoning symptoms from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause adverse reactions in some people.

• To pets

  Burnet is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning in pets like cats and dogs from ingesting this plant. Nevertheless, it is always best to monitor your pets and prevent them from eating plants, as individual animals might have different reactions, and any non-food plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Red

• Height

  3-4 feet (91-122 cm)

• Spread

  2-3 feet (61-91 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'Stand Up Comedian', commonly known as Narrowleaf Burnet, is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination in the garden.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its tall, slender stems and bobbing, bottle-brush like flowers, Narrowleaf Burnet adds unique visual interest and texture to ornamental beds and borders.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant has good drought tolerance, making it a practical choice for low-water gardens.
• Deer Resistance: Narrowleaf Burnet is generally resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
• Long Blooming Period: It has a long flowering season, usually from early summer to fall, providing prolonged garden interest.
• Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, with little need for pruning or deadheading.
• Versatility in the Landscape: It fits well in a variety of garden settings, including meadows, prairie plantings, and as a vertical element in perennial borders.
• Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil, which is beneficial for planting in varied garden conditions.
• Cutting Garden Plant: The flowers of Narrowleaf Burnet are suitable for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements.
• Non-Invasive: Unlike some other ornamental plants, Narrowleaf Burnet does not typically spread aggressively, reducing the risk of it becoming invasive.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Sanguisorba officinalis can be used as a natural dye, where the roots impart a red or pink color to fabrics or wool.
• When dried, the plant's seed heads can be used in floral arrangements, adding an interesting texture and shape to bouquets.
• The fibrous stems can be used in paper-making, contributing to a unique texture and appearance in handmade paper products.
• The plant can be incorporated into a sensory garden; its soft, feathery flowers are pleasant to touch and can stimulate the sense of touch.
• Sanguisorba officinalis can be used as a component in potpourri mixes, especially if they are dried and mixed with other aromatic plants.
• The plant's unique form and foliage can be used as an educational tool in botany and horticulture classes to study plant morphology.
• Due to its height and structure, it can serve as a natural support for climbing plants or weaker-stemmed neighboring flowers in a garden.
• Sanguisorba officinalis can be utilized as part of a living roof or green roof design, contributing to biodiversity and sustainability.
• In photography, the plant with its standout flowers provides an excellent subject for macro photography, capturing the intricate details of its blooms.
• Its robust growth can be employed to control erosion on slopes or riverbanks, as it forms strong root systems that hold soil in place.

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: The common name for Sanguisorba tenuifolia is "Burnet," and traditionally, burnet has been used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments, symbolizing healing and relief.
• Protection: As a plant often found in traditional healing gardens, burnet is thought to carry protective properties, guarding against illness and harm.
• Endurance: The epithet "Stand Up Comedian" suggests a quality of resilience and the ability to withstand challenges, paralleling burnet's own hardiness in various growing conditions.