Sanguisorba minor Syn. Poterium sanguisorba
Family: Rosaceae
Herbaceous perennial, evergreen in mild climates. Native to Europe,
Asia and North America. Small Burnet makes a basal rosette of deeply
divided leaves, sending up thimble-shaped flowers on long stems.
In ancient times the leaves were infused in wine or vinegar and used as
a heart tonic. The plant is also an effective vulnerary for treating
wounds, either taken internally as a tea or used as an astringent external
wash or healing salve. Small Burnet is still in common usage as a
culinary herb. The young leaves especially are tender and impart
a cucumber-like taste to salads, dressings and cheese. In order to
encourage the formation of a bushy basal rosette, the flowering stalks
should be kept cut back. Cultivation: Easy. Sow
seed in early spring, in the greenhouse or directly in the garden.
Barely cover, tamp down and keep moist until germination. Transplant
or thin to 1 foot apart. Prefers full sun and tolerates poor, dry
soils. Makes a good container plant. Flowers pinkish-white
to 1 foot tall.
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