Salad Burnet
poterium sanguisorba
Also known as: ["Sanguisorba minor","Burnet"]
Overview
A perennial herb with serrated leaves and small, greenish flowers, often used in culinary applications for its cucumber-like flavor.
Benefits & Perks
["culinary herb","fragrant flowers","low maintenance","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Poterium |
| Botanical Name: | Poterium sanguisorba |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; divide every 3–4 years.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead growth and thinning crowded clumps.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure adequate air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, fertile loam with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; maintain consistent moisture; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C); prefers cool summers.
Mulch to insulate roots in winter; water early to avoid heat stress; adjust care based on seasonal temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer sparingly; fertilize only during active growth; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Division or root cuttings; seeds can also be sown in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps in early spring.
- Cut roots into 2–3 inch sections.
- Plant cuttings horizontally just below the soil surface.
- Keep moist until rooted.
Best Time: Early spring or fall for division; root cuttings can be taken in late winter or early spring.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions for root cuttings; partial shade for divisions; consistent moisture for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with added perlite or sand; can also be propagated in water for root cuttings.
Hormone
Optional, but can help with root cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; root cuttings: roots in 4–6 weeks; seeds: germination in 2–4 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, trowel, rooting hormone (optional), pots or trays.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; use clean tools to prevent disease; keep newly propagated plants shaded until established.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back dead or yellowing leaves; divide clumps by digging up and separating sections with a sharp knife or spade.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged foliage as needed; divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate the plant.
Tools
Sharp knife, spade, pruning shears.
Checklist
Remove dead foliage; divide if overcrowded; use clean tools; dispose of removed debris to prevent disease.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its container; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Not typically needed for in-ground plants; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose a larger pot; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing or browning in excessive heat; stunted growth or dieback in prolonged cold without protection.
Cold Stress
Plants may become dormant in winter; prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures without mulch can damage roots.
Solution: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base in fall; avoid watering frozen soil; protect container-grown plants from extreme cold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch in intense heat; flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; water deeply in the morning; increase humidity around the plant if possible.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid late-season feeding; follow package instructions for dilution.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Poterium sanguisorba is not heavy feeder.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPoterium sanguisorba is not considered toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk of poisoning when ingested by felines in normal amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPoterium sanguisorba is not considered toxic to dogs. It is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested by canines in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPoterium sanguisorba, commonly known as salad burnet, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been used historically as a culinary herb and for its medicinal properties without significant toxic effects.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Salad Burnet safe for pets?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What is the flavor profile of Salad Burnet?
A: It has a mild cucumber-like flavor, often used in salads and drinks.
Q: How often should Salad Burnet be watered?
A: It is drought-tolerant and requires watering only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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