Overview
Sanguisorba canadensis L. ssp. latifolia (Hook.) Calder & Taylor, also known as Canadian burnet or American burnet, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the rose family Rosaceae. It is native to North America and commonly found in the wild in moist meadows, swamps, and prairies.
General Appearance
Canadian burnet grows up to 1.5 meters tall and has an upright habit with branching stems. The leaves are basal and pinnately compound, with 9 to 15 oval leaflets. The leaflets are dark green, smooth, and have slightly serrated edges. The inflorescence is composed of cylindrical spikes of small flowers that are pink or white in color, which bloom from June to September. The plant produces small, dry fruits known as achenes.
Common Names
Sanguisorba canadensis L. ssp. latifolia is commonly known as Canadian burnet or American burnet. In some regions, it is also referred to as the great burnet, American great burnet, or American salad burnet.
Uses
The leaves of Canadian burnet have a mildly bitter taste and can be eaten raw as a salad green or cooked as a potherb. The plant has also been traditionally used by Native Americans to treat fevers, coughs, and stomach pains. The roots and seeds contain tannins, which have astringent properties. The astringent properties make this plant useful as a wound healer. Canadian burnet is still used in herbal medicine today to treat wounds and inflammation. The plant is also used in landscaping, as it is attractive and easy to grow in moist soils.
Light Requirements:
Sanguisorba canadensis L. ssp. latifolia (Hook.) Calder & Taylor prefers to grow under full sun to partial shade conditions.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant grows well in a temperature range of 10°C to 30°C, and they are winter hardy. Late winter frosts may damage the emerging foliage.
Soil Requirements:
The soil required for the growth of Sanguisorba canadensis L. ssp. latifolia (Hook.) Calder & Taylor can be clay, loamy, or sandy, but it must be well-drained. The preferred soil pH ranges between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant is not tolerant of drought and does not perform well in compact and waterlogged soils. Addition of organic matter to the soil, such as compost or manure, can help with improving soil quality.
Cultivation methods
Sanguisorba canadensis L. ssp. latifolia (Hook.) Calder & Taylor thrives in moist and fertile soils, making it ideal for planting in marshy or wetlands areas. However, it can also grow successfully in well-drained soils. The plant prefers partially shaded to sunny areas, making it easy to grow in a variety of outdoor settings.
The ideal time for planting Sanguisorba canadensis is in the early spring or fall when the plant is dormant. For optimum growth, spacing between the plants should be at least one foot apart.
Watering needs
Sanguisorba canadensis is a water-loving plant; it thrives in moist soils. The plant's watering requirements will depend on several factors, including the age of the plant, time of year, and weather. When the plant is young, it may need to be watered frequently, at least once a week. During the summer months, the plant should be watered frequently to prevent the soil from drying out.
When watering Sanguisorba canadensis, it is essential not to overwater the plant as this can cause root rot. The best way to water the plant is to water it deeply, allowing the soil to absorb as much water as possible.
Fertilization
Sanguisorba canadensis grows well in fertile soils, but it may still benefit from additional fertilization. Ideally, the plant should be fertilized once a year in the spring using a slow-release fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer will release nutrients into the soil for an extended period, ensuring that the plant receives all the nutrients it needs to grow healthily.
It is essential not to over-fertilize Sanguisorba canadensis as this can cause the plant to grow too quickly, resulting in weak growth.
Pruning
The Sanguisorba canadensis plant does not require a lot of pruning. However, it is still essential to prune the plant occasionally to remove any dead or diseased foliage or flowers. Pruning will help to keep the plant healthy, improve its appearance, and promote growth.
The best time to prune Sanguisorba canadensis is in the early spring before new growth appears. During this time, the plant is still dormant. It is essential to use a sharp pair of pruning shears to prevent any damage to the plant.
Propagation Methods
Sanguisorba canadensis L. ssp. latifolia (Hook.) Calder & Taylor, commonly known as Canadian burnet, can be propagated using a variety of methods including seeds, division, and cuttings.
Seeds
Seeds of Canadian burnet can be collected in the fall and directly sown in the garden or started indoors in the spring. The seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil and kept moist until germination. The ideal germination temperature is between 15-20°C. Germination should occur within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Division
Canadian burnet can be propagated through division in the spring or fall. The plant should be dug up and the roots separated into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one growth point and a portion of the root system. The sections can be replanted in their new location at the same level they were planted before.
Cuttings
Softwood cuttings can be taken in the summer from new growth that has not yet developed bark. The cutting should be 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist soil and place it in a sheltered location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist until roots have formed and the cutting has established itself.
Disease Management
The Sanguisorba canadensis L. ssp. latifolia (Hook.) Calder & Taylor plant is generally disease resistant, but there are certain diseases that may affect it. One of the most common diseases is powdery mildew, which can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. This disease can be managed by maintaining proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate or sulfur can also be effective in controlling powdery mildew.
Another disease that may affect the Sanguisorba canadensis plant is rust. This fungal disease can cause orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems. The disease can spread quickly and can be difficult to control. Removing infected plant parts and keeping the area clean can help manage the disease. Fungicides containing myclobutanil or tebuconazole can be used to control rust.
Pest Management
Several pests can affect the Sanguisorba canadensis plant, including aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. These insects feed on the leaves and stems, causing damage to the plant. One way to manage these pests is by using insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them. These products are safe for the environment and can be effective in managing the pests. Another way to manage insect pests is by attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to the garden. These insects feed on the pests and can help control their populations.
Deer and rabbits may also feed on the Sanguisorba canadensis plant. To manage these pests, physical barriers like fencing and netting can be used. Repellents containing garlic, peppermint, or other strong smells can also be effective in deterring these animals from feeding on the plant.
