Poterium sanguisorba L.
Burnet Bloodwort
Salad burnet is a tough, deep-rooted native perennial of dry calcareous grassland, common on the chalk and limestone of England and Wales but thinning out towards Scotland. It forms neat rosettes of ferny, pinnate leaves made up of many small, round-toothed leaflets, which release a fresh scent of cucumber when crushed.
About
Salad burnet is a tough, deep-rooted native perennial of dry calcareous grassland, common on the chalk and limestone of England and Wales but thinning out towards Scotland. It forms neat rosettes of ferny, pinnate leaves made up of many small, round-toothed leaflets, which release a fresh scent of cucumber when crushed. In summer it sends up wiry stems topped with rounded, thimble-like flower heads, green flushed with crimson, the females tipped with feathery red styles.
Thriving on thin, infertile, free-draining soils, its long taproot lets it find moisture and stay green when shallower-rooted neighbours wilt, making it both drought-tolerant and useful for stabilising soil. The flowers are wind-pollinated. It is a classic component of species-rich chalk and limestone meadow mixes, lending fine texture and early greenery, while the young, cucumber-flavoured leaves have a long history as a salad and garnish herb.
Also known as
Fodder Burnet · Garden Burnet · Salad Burnet · Small Burnet · little burnet
Synonyms
Sanguisorba minor
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.