Family: Rosaceae

Origin, Description & Uses

Sanguisorba minor, commonly known as garden burnet, little burnet, or small burnet, is a perennial herb native to Europe, the Mediterranean region, and western parts of the Himalayas. It forms low-growing clumps of finely divided, fern-like leaves and produces small, rounded flower heads that range from green to reddish in color. Garden burnet has long been cultivated as an ornamental and culinary plant. Its young leaves have a mild cucumber-like flavor and are used in salads, herbal vinegars, and other dishes. The species is also valued for its drought tolerance, ability to grow in poor soils, and use in erosion control, forage plantings, and pollinator gardens.

Risks & Threats

Although Sanguisorba minor is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses several traits that are cause for concern. The species produces abundant seed, can establish in disturbed habitats, tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions, and has demonstrated the ability to persist and spread outside cultivation in some regions. These characteristics suggest that it could escape cultivation and potentially compete with desirable vegetation in tropical island ecosystems. Because Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems are especially vulnerable to invasive species, introduction and cultivation of potentially invasive plants should be approached with caution. While additional monitoring and evaluation may further clarify its invasive potential in Hawaiʻi, Plant Pono recommends choosing a low-risk or native alternative whenever suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, and able to grow in 5 hardiness zones, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Certain subspecies can grow in subtropical climates, but primarily a temperate to Mediterranean species
  
• Naturalized in many countries, but no evidence in Hawaiian Islands to date
  
• Regarded as weedy, and potentially impacting the natural environment, but generally considered a desirable pasture plant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by rhizomes (short distances)
  
• Apomictic forms exist
  
• Reaches maturity in 2 years
  
• Seeds dispersed internally and externally by animals, intentionally by people, as a seed contaminant, and potentially by wind and water
  
• Prolific seed production (but not in excess of 1000 seeds/m²)
  
• Seeds persist in soil for 30+ years
  
• Able to resprout after browsing; may also tolerate some fire

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite reports of weediness, generally regarded as a desirable, non-aggressive pasture addition
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Non-toxic
  
• May be limited to high light environments
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control