perennial

Canadian Burnet

Sanguisorba canadensis

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Canadian Burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis) at Weston Nurseries

Canadian Burnet flowers

Canadian Burnet flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  24 inches

Flower Height:  5 feet

Spacing:  20 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4a

Other Names:  American Burnet, White Burnet

Description:

A clump forming wetland plant producing white bottlebrush-like flowers thru summer that are ideal for cutting, held atop attractive compound leaves; a pretty addition to the garden, or near water features

Ornamental Features

Canadian Burnet features airy spikes of white flowers at the ends of the stems from mid summer to early fall. Its textured narrow compound leaves remain grayish green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Canadian Burnet is an herbaceous perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Canadian Burnet is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Bog Gardens

Planting & Growing

Canadian Burnet will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 5 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 20 inches apart. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Groundcover  Bog 
Applications
Flowers  Texture 
Ornamental Features