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Pimpinella saxifraga - (L.)Huds.

Common Name Greater Burnet Saxifrage, Hollowstem burnet saxifrage
Family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
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 No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Pimpinella saxifraga Greater Burnet Saxifrage, Hollowstem burnet saxifrage


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pimpinella_major_Sturm11.jpg
Pimpinella saxifraga Greater Burnet Saxifrage, Hollowstem burnet saxifrage
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Llez

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
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

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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

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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

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Pimpinella anisumAniseed (Saunf - Hindi), Anise burnet saxifrageAnnual0.5 7-10  LMNDM433
Pimpinella diversifolia Perennial0.9 -  LMHSNM01 
Pimpinella majorGreater Burnet Saxifrage, Hollowstem burnet saxifragePerennial0.8 4-8  LMHSNM12 

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

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