Sanguisorba menziesii

Rydb.

Menzies' Burnet, Small-head Burnet

Rosaceae Edible: Leaves 163 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Sanguisorba menziesiii, commonly known as Menzies' burnet, Sanguisorbe de Menzies, and small-head burnet, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. It is a perennial or helophyte native to Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington in northwestern North America. It grows in coastal bogs and marshes from coastal southern Alaska through coastal British Columbia to the Olympic Peninsula of Washington (Grays Harbor and Clallam counties). The species was first described by Per Axel Rydberg in 1908.

Description

A perennial herb reaching 1.2 m tall with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Grows well in light, medium, or heavy soils with mildly acid to basic pH. Tolerates semi-shade in woodland settings and prefers consistently moist or wet conditions.

Edible Uses

The leaves are edible cooked, though they are not considered choice.

Medicinal Uses

Both the roots and the leaves are astringent.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Canada, North America, USA,

Cultivation

An easily grown plant that does well in cultivation. It succeeds in ordinary garden soil, though it prefers a good moist soil that does not dry out in the summer, in sun or partial shade. This species is closely related to S. officinalis.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring or autumn in a cold frame. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse through their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division can be done in spring.