Greater Burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella major)

Greater Burnet-saxifrage

Pimpinella major

Lacy, airy umbels bring delicate wild charm to meadows. Perennial herbaceous wildflower; common name: Greater Burnet-saxifrage.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dappled woodland light, but produces more blooms in full sun
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Watering Water regularly during prolonged dry periods; avoid waterlogging, as it prefers well-drained soil
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Temperature Hardy to -15°C, suitable for cool temperate climates; avoid extreme heat above 30°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal leaves are large, pinnately divided with sharply toothed leaflets; stem leaves are smaller and less dissected
  • Flower: Tiny white or pale pink blooms arranged in flat-topped umbel clusters
  • Stem: Hollow, ridged, and sparsely hairy, supporting upright growth
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Apply diluted compost tea once monthly to support growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth over flowering

Composted eggshell powder:Sprinkle a thin layer of finely ground composted eggshells on the soil surface to boost calcium levels and improve soil structure; avoid direct contact with plant stems to prevent fungal growth
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent umbel clusters after flowering to encourage self-seeding and tidy growth
  • Cut back dead foliage to ground level in late autumn to prepare for winter dormancy
  • Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; young leaves are edible in small quantities

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Wildflower garden ornamental; young leaves are edible raw in salads or cooked as a leafy green