Great Burnet is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland, meadows and water margins, to a mature height of up to 100cm.
Great Burnet takes its name from its relatively larger size than other burnets and the name 'Burnet' in Middle English meaning 'brown' (describing the plant's 'brownish' flowers). The flowers of Great Burnet are packed together into ovoid compound flowerheads, with green buds and stems, and a brown bract beneath each bud. The buds mature in colour to a reddish-brown before opening. Once opened, the tepals, stamens and style are also a reddish-brown.
Botanic classification and naming: Great Burnet is a member of the Rose (Rosaceae) family. The genus name
'Sanguisorba' identifies the plant as a Burnet and its species name 'officinalis' means 'herbal medicinal plant'.
Benefits: Provides a food source for caterpillars of the Dusky Large Blue butterfly.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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