Southern burnet saxifrage (Pimpinella peregrina, Sp. Pl.: 264 (1753))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 264 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pimpinella

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to C. Asia

Description

The Southern burnet saxifrage, scientifically known as Pimpinella peregrina, is a distinctive member of the Apiaceae family. This perennial herbaceous plant was first described by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” published in 1753.

Characterized by its intricate foliage and delicate, umbrella-like clusters of tiny white flowers, the Southern burnet saxifrage is a striking addition to any botanical collection. The plant’s leaves are finely divided and feathery, evoking the delicate appearance typical of many members of the Apiaceae family. During its blooming season, it produces an array of small, fragrant flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of its native habitats.

This species boasts a broad natural distribution, spanning from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia. This range indicates a significant adaptability to diverse climates and soils, reflecting its resilience and versatility as a species. In these regions, Pimpinella peregrina thrives in environments ranging from dry, rocky soils in sunlit open areas to the more shaded and moist edges of woodlands.

Historically, Pimpinella peregrina has been valued not just for its ornamental appeal but also for its uses in traditional medicine. Various cultures within its native range have utilized the plant for its purported health benefits, particularly in the realm of digestive health. The roots and leaves have been employed in herbal remedies to alleviate gastrointestinal ailments and to promote overall well-being.

In gardens, the Southern burnet saxifrage serves as an attractive ground cover and is often used in rock gardens or herbaceous borders due to its modest height and appealing foliage. When cultivating this plant, gardeners should aim to replicate its native conditions, providing well-drained soil and sufficient sunlight to ensure robust growth.

Overall, Pimpinella peregrina is an intriguing species that captivates with its delicate beauty and robustness. Whether viewed through the lens of a botanist, a horticulturist, or a natural medicine practitioner, the Southern burnet saxifrage remains a compelling example of nature’s diversity and adaptability.

Common Names

Deu: fremde bibernelle, fremde pimpinelle
Dan: hårfrugtet pimpinelle
Eng: southern burnet saxifrage
Swe: lång bockrot, smal bockrot
Nld: vreemde bevernel
En: Southern Burnet Saxifrage
Bg: Южен анасон
Da: Hårfrugtet pimpinelle
Nl: Vreemde bevernel
Fi: Saksanpukinjuuri
Fr: Boucage voyageur, Pimpinelle voyageuse
De: Fremde Pimpinelle, Fremde Bibernelle, Fremde Pimpernell
He: כמנון קיפח
It: Tragoselino calcatrippa
Sv: Lång bockrot, Smal bockrot
: Southern burnet saxifrage

Synonyms

• Caucalis tuberculata (Poir.)
• Tragium peregrinum ((L.) Spreng.)
• Anisum italicum (Raf.)
• Pimpinella hispida (Loisel.)
• Ledeburia pimpinelloides (Link)
• Tragium tauricum (Ledeb.)
• Torilis trilobata (Viv. ex DC.)
• Pimpinella taurica ((Ledeb.) Steud.)
• Torilis tuberculata (Spreng.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 12, 2020 by Dysber Monzon Moreno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2018 by tawqan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2020 by Eri Sky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2019 by Goat’s Table (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Afroditi Kli (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 5, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2018 by tawqan (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 7, 2022 by Pablo Segura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2018 by Marc Vercaigne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2018 by Marc Vercaigne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2018 by Marc Vercaigne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2018 by Marc Vercaigne (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

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

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

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5538946)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:846958-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pimpinella peregrina L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 7