Pimpinella saxifraga L.
Burnet Saxifrage
Burnet-saxifrage is a slender native perennial of the carrot family, named for leaves that recall salad burnet, though it is related to neither burnet nor the true saxifrages. It forms a basal rosette and sends up wiry, almost leafless stems bearing small, flat umbels of tiny white (occasionally pinkish) flowers.
About
Burnet-saxifrage is a slender native perennial of the carrot family, named for leaves that recall salad burnet, though it is related to neither burnet nor the true saxifrages. It forms a basal rosette and sends up wiry, almost leafless stems bearing small, flat umbels of tiny white (occasionally pinkish) flowers. A deep taproot helps it cope with dry, thin soils.
It is a plant of dry, well-drained grassland, particularly base-rich and calcareous ground such as chalk and limestone downs, banks and old pastures, where it flowers from mid to late summer. Because it tends to persist only in long-established, species-rich turf, its presence is treated as a useful sign of unimproved, undisturbed grassland. The open flowers draw a variety of small pollinating insects, and it is a worthwhile addition to calcareous meadow and wildflower mixes aimed at restoring traditional grassland.
Also known as
Burnet saxifrage · Burnet-Saxifrage · Pimpinella · Solid-stem Burnet Saxifrage · Solidstem Burnet Saxifrage · lesser burnet-saxifrage · solid-stem burnet-saxifrage
Synonyms
? ternata · Apium laconicum · Apium saxifragum · Apium tragoselinum · Carum dissectum · Carum nigrum · Carum saxifraga · Pimpinella acaulis · Pimpinella angustifolia · Pimpinella asopii · Pimpinella calvertii · Pimpinella crispa
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.