Greater burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella major, Fl. Angl.: 110 (1762))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: (L.) Huds.

Bibliography: Fl. Angl.: 110 (1762)

Year: 1762

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pimpinella

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe

Description

The Greater Burnet-saxifrage, scientifically known as Pimpinella major, is a captivating member of the Apiaceae family, showcasing an elegance that has been admired since its identification in historical botanical records such as “Fl. Angl.: 110” from 1762, authored by (L.) Huds. This perennial herb thrives predominantly across Europe, where it graces meadows, woodlands, and grasslands with its sophisticated presence.

Pimpinella major distinguishes itself with a robust and slightly aromatic structure, often reaching up to 150 cm in height. The plant’s finely serrated leaves and compound umbels of delicate white flowers are key identifying features, often earning it admiration from botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. These flowers typically bloom from June to September, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

The Greater Burnet-saxifrage plays an essential role within its habitat, contributing to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. Its ability to thrive in different soils, from the chalky terrains of calcareous grasslands to the loamy substrates of wooded areas, demonstrates its adaptability and ecological significance.

In addition to its ecological value, Pimpinella major holds a place in traditional medicine and herbal practices. Historically, parts of the plant have been utilized for their supposed therapeutic properties, including uses in digestive remedies and as an expectorant, although contemporary scientific validation of these uses remains limited. The plant’s subtle fragrance and appealing appearance also make it a favored choice for ornamental gardening, particularly in wildflower meadows and naturalized garden settings.

Conservation efforts for Pimpinella major are crucial as its natural habitats face threats from agricultural expansion and urban development. By preserving the diverse ecosystems where this plant flourishes, we can ensure that future generations continue to appreciate its beauty and ecological contributions.

In summary, the Greater Burnet-saxifrage, Pimpinella major, is a remarkable and multifaceted species. Its presence enriches the European landscape, providing aesthetic pleasure, ecological benefits, and a hint of historical and potential medicinal intrigue. The continued study and conservation of this plant are imperative for maintaining the natural heritage of the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Nor: frynsevinterkarse, peparrot, vinterkarse
Deu: grosse bibernelle, große bibernelle, große bibernelle i.w.s.
Eng: hollowstem burnet saxifrage, great burnet-saxifrage, greater burnet-saxifrage
Swe: mellangyllen, praktstenört, isopukinjuuri, pepparrot, stor bockrot, lundanis
Dan: peberrod, randhåret vinterkarse, stor pimpinelle
Fin: piparjuuri, isopukinjuuri
Fra: grand boucage, grande pimpinelle
Nld: grote bevernel
Lav: liela noraga
Nob: stor gjeldkarve
Nno: stor gjeldkarve
Cym: gwraiddiriog mawr, gwreiddiriog mawr
En: Greater burnet-saxifrage, Great burnet-saxifrage, Hollowstem burnet saxifrage, Hollowstem Burnet-saxifrage
Ar: أنيسون كبير
Eu: Gaitun handi
Be: Бядрынец вялікі
Bg: Едър анасон
Ca: Julivert de boc, Pimpinella gran
Hr: Bedrenika
Cs: Bedrník větší
Da: Stor Pimpinelle, Peberrod, Randhåret Vinterkarse
Nl: Grote bevernel
Et: Suur näär
Fi: Isopukinjuuri, Piparjuuri
Fr: Grand boucage, Grande pimpinelle
De: Grosse Bibernelle, Große Bibernelle, Große Pimpinelle, Große Bibernelle i.w.S., Große Pimpernell
It: Tragoselino maggiore
Lv: Liela noraga
No: Frynsevinterkarse, Peparrot, Vinterkarse
Nb: Stor gjeldkarve
Nn: Stor gjeldkarve
Pl: Biedrzeniec wielki
Ru: Бедренец большой
Sk: Bedernica, Bedrovník väčší, Lomikameň, Trebník
Es: Pimpinela mayor, Pimpinela negra
Sv: Stor bockrot, Mellangyllen, Praktstenört, Isopukinjuuri, Pepparrot, Lundanis
Cy: Gwreiddiriog mawr, Gwraiddiriog Mawr

Synonyms

• Pimpinella magna (L.)
• Pimpinella laciniata (Thore)
• Pimpinella media (Spreng.)
• Apium pimpinella ((L.) Caruel)
• Pimpinella rosea (Lindem.)
• Pimpinella orientalis (Gouan)
• Pimpinella subcrenata ((Beck) Dalla Torre)
• Pimpinella major f. rubra ((Hoppe ex Mérat) Fiori & Bég.)
• Pimpinella major var. rubra (Hoppe ex Mérat)
• Pimpinella austriaca (Mill.)
• Pimpinella dissecta var. elatior (Lej.)
• Pimpinella magna var. dissecta (Wallr.)
• Pimpinella magna f. dissecta ((Wallr.) Wahlenb.)
• Pimpinella major f. orientalis ((Gouan) Fiori & Bég.)
• Pimpinella magna var. laciniata (Wallr.)
• Pimpinella dumetorum (Boenn. ex Rchb.)
• Pimpinella siifolia var. macrodonta (Pau)
• Pimpinella austriaca var. rubens ((DC.) Tzvelev)
• Pimpinella saxifraga subsp. magna ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Pimpinella austriaca var. dissecta ((Wallr.) Tzvelev)
• Pimpinella magna var. rubra (Mérat)
• Tragoselinum majus ((L.) Lam.)
• Tragoselinum magnum ((L.) Moench)
• Pimpinella rugosa (Kunze)
• Pimpinella rugulosa (Schnizl.)
• Selinum pimpinelloides (E.H.L.Krause)
• Pimpinella magna var. pinnatifida (Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Pimpinella bipinnata (Boeber ex Georgi)
• Pimpinella peregrina (Lej.)
• Carum magnum ((L.) Baill.)
• Pimpinella major var. macrodonta ((Pau) O.Bolòs & Vigo)
• Pimpinella germanica (Vill. ex Spreng.)
• Pimpinella major f. rubella (Thell.)
• Pimpinella major var. laciniata (Gray)
• Tragoselinum dissectum (Moench)
• Pimpinella saxifraga var. major (L.)
• Pimpinella major subvar. rubella ((Thell.) Reduron)
• Pimpinella magna var. elata (Rouy & E.G.Camus)
• Pimpinella major var. bipinnata (Beck)
• Pimpinella glabra (Rostk. & Schmidt)
• Pimpinella magna var. rugosa (Lange)
• Pimpinella rubra (Hoppe & Schleich. ex Spreng.)
• Pimpinella magna subsp. rubra ((Mérat) Gaudin)
• Pimpinella magna subsp. vulgaris (Gaudin)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Finland (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 19, 2018 by orsatus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2020 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2022 by Chris Cross (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2021 by Charly Brooklyn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2020 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 8, 2019 by Adéla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2006 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by fournier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2006 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 21, 1987 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2019 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by AniaCh86 (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Aug 31, 1851 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 1851 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:846901-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5371874)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pimpinella major (L.) Huds.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Soil nutriments: 6