Pimpinella saxifraga
burnet-saxifrage
Overview
Pimpinella saxifraga is a slender perennial of dry grassland, 12-28 inches (30-70 cm) tall, with wiry, finely ridged stems that are almost leafless above. It is named burnet-saxifrage because its lower leaves resemble those of salad burnet, being pinnate with paired, rounded, toothed leaflets, while the upper stem leaves are reduced to narrow, thread-like segments. From June to September the stems carry small, flat-topped umbels of tiny white flowers, occasionally tinged pink, each umbel 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across with no bracts at its base. Small ribbed fruits follow. The plant grows on dry, well-drained, lime-rich grassland, banks, road verges, and old quarries, and tolerates drought and thin soils. It has a thick aromatic root that was once used in herbal medicine and flavouring. Despite its name it is not a saxifrage; it belongs to the carrot family. It grows from a deep taproot, dies back to the root over winter, and regrows in spring, flowering from its second year. It can be told from the larger greater burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella major) by its more slender, ridged stems and smaller size.
Native Range
Native across Europe and into western and central Asia, from the British Isles and Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean and east into Siberia. It is naturalized in parts of North America.Suggested Uses
Grown in dry and chalk wildflower meadows, on banks, and in pollinator plantings on poor, free-draining soil. It suits naturalistic grassland and conservation schemes on lime-rich ground. It is not suited to rich borders, wet soils, or containers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'4"
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight