Narrowleaf Burnet Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'White Tanna'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the 'White Tanna' has a refined and delicate appearance stemming from its slender foliage and light, airy flowers. Its leaves are typically pinnate, meaning they are composed of multiple small leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis, which gives them a fern-like quality that adds a fine texture to garden spaces. These leaflets are generally a lush green, creating a dense cluster of foliage at the base of the plant. Rising above the foliage, 'White Tanna' produces tall, slender spikes that boast bottlebrush-like clusters of tiny white flowers. These flowers are densely packed along the spike, giving it a fuzzy appearance from a distance, whereas up close, the intricacies of each delicate bloom can be appreciated. The contrast of the creamy white flowers against the green foliage is especially striking and has a cooling effect in the garden landscape. This plant is known not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its ability to attract pollinators. Butterflies and bees are often seen flitting around 'White Tanna', taking advantage of the nectar-rich blooms throughout its flowering season. In summary, 'White Tanna' is a graceful plant that offers a blend of fine, green foliage and elegant spikes of white flowers, making it a charming addition to gardens that favor subtle beauty over bold statements.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
White Tanna, Narrow-Leaved Burnet
Common names
Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'White Tanna'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the Burnet is not known to be toxic to humans. It does not typically cause any symptoms of poisoning, as it is not considered poisonous. Therefore, ingesting parts of this plant is unlikely to result in negative consequences for most people.
To pets
The Burnet is not known to be toxic to pets. There are no common symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant, as it is not considered to be a toxic species. As a result, ingestion of this plant should not cause any significant negative health consequences for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'White Tanna', also known as the white burnet, is attractive to bees and beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: It is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: White burnet has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its elegant, feathery white blooms, white burnet adds visual interest to borders and wildflower gardens.
- Long Blooming Season: White burnet has a long flowering period, which can provide visual interest throughout much of the growing season.
- Naturalizing: It can spread over time to form natural-looking drifts, ideal for informal and meadow-style plantings.
- Wildlife Shelter: The plant's structure provides shelter for small wildlife, contributing to biodiversity in the garden.
- Soil Erosion Control: White burnet's root system can help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion in sloped areas.
- Companion Planting: It complements many other perennials and grasses, fitting well into a mixed border or planting scheme.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: The plant may have properties that help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Hemostatic: Sanguisorba tenuifolia is traditionally used to stop bleeding.
- Astringent: It may be used for its astringent properties to tighten tissues and reduce secretions.
- Antioxidant: The plant might contain compounds with antioxidant effects that help protect cells from damage.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The dried flowers of the Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'White Tanna', commonly known as Burnet, can be used in potpourri for adding natural fragrances to a room.
- Burnet flowers can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, yielding subtle hues depending on the mordant used.
- Fresh or dried Burnet leaves may be incorporated into decorative wreaths and floral arrangements for their texture and greenery.
- The seeds of the Burnet plant can be offered to birds, particularly finches, as part of a wild bird feed mix.
- Burnet can be used as a companion plant in the garden to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies due to its flowers.
- The plant's dense, clumping growth habit makes it a choice for natural erosion control on sloped landscapes.
- Burnet can also serve as a natural lawn alternative, providing a low-maintenance, ornamental ground cover.
- The tough roots of Burnet can be used to stabilize pond banks and prevent the soil from collapsing into the water.
- The ornamental foliage of Burnet adds a contrasting texture in mixed container plantings for patios and balconies.
- The Burnet plant can be utilized in educational gardens to illustrate native and drought-tolerant landscaping options.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sanguisorba is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sanguisorba is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The 'White Tanna' variety of Sanguisorba (commonly known as the Burnet) often symbolizes purity, suggested by its clean and pristine white flowers.
- Healing: Burnet has historically been used in herbal medicine to treat wounds and bleeding, which contributes to its symbolic meaning of healing and relief.
- Protection: With its roots in traditional medicine, Burnet can symbolize protection, warding off illness and promoting good health.
- Peace: The soft, white blossoms promote a sense of calm and tranquility, often being associated with peace and serenity.
WaterThe Korean Burnet 'White Tanna' prefers consistently moist soil, so water regularly to maintain even soil moisture. Water the plant deeply to ensure water reaches the root zone, about 1 inch of water per week either through rainfall or irrigation. During dry spells or hot weather, you may need to water twice a week to maintain the moisture level. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure that the soil drains well and doesn't stay waterlogged.
LightKorean Burnet 'White Tanna' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location where the plant can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in regions with hot summers, to prevent scorching of the foliage.
TemperatureKorean Burnet 'White Tanna' can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best when the temperature is between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F and maximum temperatures up to around 85°F, although it prefers cooler summer temperatures and may struggle in intense heat.
PruningPrune Korean Burnet 'White Tanna' to remove spent flower heads and encourage repeat blooming. Cutting back the plant in late winter or early spring promotes vigorous new growth. Pruning should be done annually, and dead or damaged stems can be removed at any time to maintain plant health and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Narrowleaf Burnet prefers a well-draining soil mix with good organic matter. A mix consisting of loamy garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite can create an ideal environment for root growth. The pH should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingNarrowleaf Burnet does not require frequent repotting and can be replanted every two to three years or when it outgrows its current pot. Spring is the best time for repotting to give the plant a fresh start before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingNarrowleaf Burnet thrives in average humidity levels common in most temperate climates. It does not need high humidity; maintaining a range between 40% to 70% is ideal for this plant's health and growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycle'White Tanna' (Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'White Tanna') is a herbaceous perennial plant that initiates its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, given appropriate soil moisture and temperature conditions. The seedlings develop into rosettes with deep green, pinnate leaves, and the plant establishes a strong root system. Throughout the growing season, it undergoes vegetative growth, and tall, erect flowering stems emerge by midsummer, topped with small, white, bottlebrush-like inflorescences. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into small nutlet fruits, which disperse seeds for the next generation. The plant dies back to the ground after the first frost in autumn, but the roots overwinter and the cycle begins anew with the return of warm weather in spring. With each growing season, 'White Tanna' will expand in size, eventually forming large clumps in the garden.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'White Tanna', commonly known as Narrow-leaved Burnet, is through division of the plant. This is typically done in the spring as new growth appears or in the fall after the growing season has ended. To propagate, carefully dig up an established clump and gently divide it into smaller sections, each with a portion of root and a few shoots. These sections can then be immediately replanted into a well-prepared soil, spaced about 12 to 24 inches (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them and encourage new root development. This clump division method is straightforward and usually results in a high success rate, making it the preferred choice among gardeners for multiplying their Narrow-leaved Burnet plants.
