Sanguisorba obtusa

Maxim.

Japanese burnet

Rosaceae Edible: Leaves 18 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Sanguisorba obtusa, the Nanbutouutisou(Japanese name.No English name), is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, native to Japan. (Honshu). Growing up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall by 1 m (3.3 ft) broad, this rhizomatous herbaceous perennial has grey-green foliage, and attractive bright pink bottle-brush type flowers on wiry stems, in summer. In cultivation it can tolerate a range of conditions in sun or partial shade, with moist soil.

Description

A perennial herb or small shrub. It develops rhizomes. It grows 90-120 cm high and 60-90 cm wide. The stem is erect, grooved and branching. The leaves are grey-green. They are 40 cm long. They are divided into leaflets along the stalk. These are oval and have teeth along the edge. There are 13-17 leaflets. The stems are lax. The flowers are in soft arching spikes. These are like bottle brushes and are 7 cm long. They are pink or purple.

Edible Uses

The leaves can be cooked and eaten, though this plant is considered a famine food and would only be turned to when nothing else is available.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows best in moist, well-drained soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is frost hardy. It is sensitive to drought.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Europe, Japan*, Korea, Tasmania,

Cultivation

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Prefers a good moist soil that does not dry out in the summer, in sun or partial shade. Hardy to about -20°c. A very ornamental plant.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring or autumn in a cold frame. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings out into individual pots and grow on in the greenhouse through their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Can also be propagated by division in spring.

Other Uses

None known

Notes

There are about 18 Sanguisorba species.

Synonyms

S. hakuasanensis.

References (4)

Bull. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Petersbourg 19:160. 1873 (Diagn. pl. nov. jap.)
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 286
Joyce, D., 1998, The Garden Plant Selector. Ryland, Peters and Small. p 266
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/