American Burnet Plant Care

Sanguisorba canadensis Cham. & Schltdl.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Sanguisorba canadensis, the white burnet or Canadian burnet, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family Rosaceae, native to North America. This herbaceous perennial commonly grows in bogs, swamps, and roadsides from Labrador to Georgia.

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Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to part shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for American Burnet?

Water American Burnet every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the American Burnet Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the American Burnet?

American Burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Sanguisorba genus. American Burnet is native to North America. American Burnet is also known as Canadian Burnet.

American Burnet displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. American Burnet produces unique bottlebrush-like flowers in red, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a American Burnet?

Sanguisorba canadensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the American Burnet Need?

American Burnet thrives in full sun to part shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to part shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the American Burnet Prefer?

Sanguisorba canadensis grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. American Burnet prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a American Burnet?

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for American Burnet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a American Burnet?

Feed American Burnet every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a American Burnet?

Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a American Burnet?

American Burnet can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to salad burnet plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the American Burnet Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list American Burnet, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the American Burnet?

American Burnet is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the American Burnet Need?

American Burnet grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. American Burnet is native to North America. In cooler regions, grow American Burnet as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

American Burnet is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Sanguisorba genus — compare its care with other Sanguisorba species on PlantoScan.

Sanguisorba is part of the Rosaceae plant family — browse all Rosaceae genera and species.

American Burnet thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Sanguisorba canadensis Cham. & Schltdl., family Rosaceae (first published in ; 1827 32 1827) — World Flora Online record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list American Burnet, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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