Pimpinella saxifraga - (L.)Huds.

Common Name

Greater Burnet Saxifrage, Hollowstem burnet saxifrage

Family

Apiaceae

USDA hardiness

4-8

Known Hazards

Photosensitivity possible in light skinned people. Care needed as pimpinella contains essential oils and saponins [301].

Habitats

Hedge banks, woodland edges and other grassy places[9].

Range

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Portugal, the Balkans and Caucasus.

Edibility Rating

(1 of 5)

Other Uses

(0 of 5)

Weed Potential

Medicinal Rating

(2 of 5)

Care (info)


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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Pimpinella saxifraga is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Pimpinella saxifraga var. major L.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Meadow; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Shoots
Edible Uses: Condiment

An essential oil from the roots is used as a flavouring in candy, liqueurs etc[183].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antispasmodic Astringent Carminative Cholagogue Diaphoretic Diuretic Emmenagogue Ophthalmic
Resolvent Skin Stomachic Urinary

The leaves are diaphoretic, diuretic, resolvent and stomachic[4]. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and dried for later use[4]. The root is anti-inflammatory, mildly astringent and expectorant[9]. The fresh root is very hot and acrid, but this pungency is greatly reduced when the root is dried[4]. When chewed, the fresh root is effective in treating toothaches and paralysis of the tongue[4]. An effective diuretic, the root is used in treating disorders arising from obstructions of the viscera[4]. The root is also used for soothing coughs or the effects of laryngitis and bronchitis[9]. The roots can be harvested in the spring or autumn and are dried for later use[9]. The seeds are carminative[4]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Pimpinella major Greater Burnet Saxifrage for cough/bronchitis (see [302] for critics of commission E).

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Food Forest

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in any good soil[1], preferring rather moist conditions[187]. Grows best in a cool position[233]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

The seed requires a period of cold stratification. If you can obtain fresh seed then it is best sown immediately. This can be done in situ if you have sufficient seed, but if you only have a small quantity then it is safer to sow it in pots in a cold frame. Sow stored seed as soon as you can obtain it, this is probably best done in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the pot-grown seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

EUROPE: Denmark, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Russian Federation (European part), Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, France

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Pimpinella anisum	Aniseed (Saunf - Hindi), Anise burnet saxifrage	Annual	0.5	7-10	LM	N	DM	4	3	3
Pimpinella diversifolia		Perennial	0.9	-	LMH	SN	M	0	1
Pimpinella major	Greater Burnet Saxifrage, Hollowstem burnet saxifrage	Perennial	0.8	4-8	LMH	SN	M	1	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)Huds.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment


john bird	Mon Sep 7 2009

Can you describe the fruit? The fruit I have have very long stiles,twice as long as the fruit itself