Salad Burnet - Sanguisorba minor
100 Seeds
Sow April - May
Hardy perennial.
Height 20-60cm (8-24in), spread 30cm (12in).
Prefers a chalky, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.
Sow summer-autumn at 18-20o C. Maintain a constant level of moisture. Lightly cover the seed. Germination should occur approximately 7 to 10 days after sowing.
The small spikes of dark crimson thimble-shaped flowers appear in summer. The stems are grooved and branching. Rosettes of hardy, lacy, foliage, composed of finely toothed, mid-green oval leaflets, survive mild winters.
Burnet - Salad
Also known as Pimpernel, Drumsticks, Old Man's Pepper and Poor Man's Pepper. From the family Rosaceae.
This herb is a native of Europe and Asia. The word sanguisorba means 'to drink up blood'. It was long believed to stop haemorrhages, although no modern evidence has shown this to be true. Frances Bacon recommeded that it be placed with Thyme in alleys so the scent would rise-up when trodden on. It was infused in wine or beer as a cure for gout and rheumatism. The whole plant has astringent qualities but the root possesses the most part.