Salad Burnet
sanguisorba minor
Also known as: ["Poterium sanguisorba","Salad burnet"]
Overview
A perennial herb with serrated leaves and small, greenish-red 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: | Sanguisorba |
| Botanical Name: | Sanguisorba minor |
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: Fast-draining to moderate-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring or after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 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 scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); thrives in cooler climates.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilizing; apply before new growth emerges.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be used but may take longer to establish.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings or divide clumps.
- Prepare medium.
- Apply rooting hormone (if using).
- Plant and water.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture until roots develop.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; peat moss can also be added for moisture retention.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates, especially for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks; division can establish more quickly if done carefully.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems; remove spent flower stalks; thin out overcrowded growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged foliage.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape the plant; remove spent flowers.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away.
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; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-mixed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may become leggy; flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSanguisorba minor is not considered toxic to cats. It is not included in lists of plants harmful to felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSanguisorba minor is not known to be toxic to dogs. It is not listed among plants commonly harmful to canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSanguisorba minor, 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 toxicity reported.
⚡ 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 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 during activ |
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