The Charm of Burnet: Elegant Perennials for Damp Gardens

Burnets (Sanguisorba) may not shout for attention, but their bottlebrush flowers and graceful foliage bring quiet elegance to damp sites. Members of the rose family (Rosaceae), the 18 species are rhizomatous perennials with pinnate leaves and petal-less flowers clustered into dense spikes. The name derives from Latin sanguis (blood) and sorbeo (to soak)—historically used to staunch bleeding.

Key Species for Gardens

• S. minor (salad burnet): The outlier—native to dry, rocky, limestone soils of Europe/Asia. Edible leaves (cucumber flavor, high vitamin C) for salads/soups. Remove flower stems to promote foliage. Self-seeds; deadhead to control. Zone 4.
• S. officinalis (great burnet): Northern Europe. Larger (to 1 m), dark burgundy flowers, edible leaves. Zone 4; needs moisture. 'Lemon Splash' (yellow-spotted leaves), 'Blodtopp' (brighter red flowers).
• S. menziesii (Alaskan/Menzie's burnet): W. North America to Siberia. Blue-tinted foliage, larger showy flowers, earliest bloomer (May–July). Zone 3. 'Dali Marble' (white-edged variegated leaves).
• S. tenuifolia (Asian counterpart): To 1.5 m, nodding dark burgundy flowers, July–Sept. Zone 4. 'Alba' (white flowers).
• S. canadensis (Canada burnet): Eastern N. America wetlands. Creamy-white bottlebrushes on 75–150 cm stems, July–Sept. Blue-green foliage. Zone 2. S. sitchensis (western) often considered a variety.
• S. obtusa (Japanese burnet): Showiest—bright pink elongated bottlebrushes on arching stems, 75–100 cm. Plain green leaves. Zone 5. S. hakusanensis (Korean) nearly identical.