White burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis, Sp. pl. 1:117. 1753)

Family: Rosaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:117. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sanguisorba

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to E. U.S.A.

Description

The White Burnet, scientifically known as Sanguisorba canadensis, is a perennial herb that graces the landscapes of Eastern Canada and the Eastern United States. This native plant, belonging to the Rosaceae family, is well-regarded for its striking appearance and ecological importance.

Originally described in Linnaeus’s “Species Plantarum” in 1753, the White Burnet stands out with its distinctive white flower spikes. These blooms, which appear in late summer to early fall, are composed of numerous tiny, densely packed flowers that attract a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies. The plant’s hardy stems can grow to impressive heights, often reaching between 1 to 2 meters.

The foliage of Sanguisorba canadensis further adds to its ornamental value. The leaves are pinnate, meaning they are divided into several leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis, offering a delicate and feathery texture to gardens and natural meadows. The serrated edges of the leaflets enhance its aesthetic appeal.

White Burnet thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is commonly found in wetlands, meadows, and along riverbanks. Its preference for wet environments means it can often be seen flourishing in areas that others plants might find challenging. This resilience makes it a valuable component of riparian zones where it helps stabilize soil and reduce erosion.

Having also an ecological role, Sanguisorba canadensis contributes to the biodiversity of its habitat. By providing nectar and pollen, it supports a range of insect life, which in turn benefits the wider ecosystem, promoting a healthy and balanced natural environment.

In summary, the White Burnet is not only a plant of modest beauty and resilience but also an essential species for maintaining the health and diversity of wetland ecosystems in Eastern North America. Its elegant white flowers and finely textured leaves make it a beloved feature in both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens.

Common Names

Eng: canadian burnet, white burnet, wild burnet, canada burnet, bottlebrush
Deu: kanadischer wiesenknopf
Fra: herbe à pisser, sanguisorbe du canada
Swe: kanadapimpinell
Cym: bwrned gwyn, gwyddlwdn gwyn
En: White burnet, Wild burnet, Canadian burnet, Canada burnet, Bottlebrush
Ar: مرقئة كندية
Zh: 大白花地榆
Fr: Herbe à pisser, Sanguisorbe du Canada
De: Kanadischer Wiesenknopf
Sv: Kanadapimpinell
Cy: Bwrned gwyn, Gwyddlwdn Gwyn

Synonyms

• Poterium canadense ((L.) A.Gray)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 20, 2020 by Richard Le canard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Corinne Chouinard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Brigitte Bergs (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Oosaagi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Étienne Rivest (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Étienne Rivest (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Corinne Chouinard (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Étienne Rivest (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Corinne Chouinard (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 9, 2022 by Goulidan Finch (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 8, 2020 by Alice Bennett (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3029411)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:741345-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sanguisorba canadensis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth