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Pimpinella major - (L.)Huds.

Common Name

Greater Burnet Saxifrage

Family

Umbelliferae

Synonyms

P. magna.

Known Hazards

None known

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

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary

Physical Characteristics

PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.3 m (1ft).
It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jun to July, and the seeds ripen from Jul to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.The plant is self-fertile.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires moist soil.

Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Shady Edge; Hedgerow;

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

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.

Antiinflammatory; Astringent; Carminative; Diuretic; Expectorant.

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].

Other Uses
None known

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].

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.

Expert comment

Author
(L.)Huds.

Botanical References
17200

Links / References

[1]F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956

Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[4]Grieve. A Modern Herbal.

Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants.

[9]Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants.

Covers plants in Europe. a drawing of each plant, quite a bit of interesting information.

[183]Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants.

Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.

[187]Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2.

Photographs of over 3,000 species and cultivars of ornamental plants together with brief cultivation notes, details of habitat etc.

[233]Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants

A concise guide to a wide range of perennials. Lots of cultivation guides, very little on plant uses.

Readers comment

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