Scarlet pimpernel or Burnet saxifrage
(Pimpinella saxifraga)
Herbaceous perennial resembling Queen Anne's lace.
Other names for this plant include:
- Common names: solid-stem burnet-saxifrage, burnet saxifrage, lesser saxifrage
- Scientific names: Pimpinella saxifraga ssp. saxifraga, P. saxifraga ssp. nigra
Classification in Wisconsin: Restricted
- Ecological Threat
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- Invades grasslands and woodlands; prefers dry, well-drained, calcareous soils (mainly chalk and limestone downs). It also grows well in rich soils and occasionally acidic sands.
- Rapidly spread by human activity and vehicles, especially along roadsides.
- Plants have very high seed production.
- This species is sold as an ornamental.
- Identification
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Leaves & stems: Bipinnate leaves with numerous, oppositely arranged leaflets.
Flowers: White umbel flowers resemble Queen Anne's lace. Flowers are perfect (containing both male and female reproductive parts) and self-fertile.
Roots: Dark taproot, semi-woody.
- Control
- Mechanical
- Hand-pull plants, being sure to remove the taproot.
- Mow plants before or during flower to prevent seed-set. Monitor for re-sprouts.
- Apply glyphosate according to label rates.
- Resources
- Sources for content:
- Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium. 2010. Plants of Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, WI 54481 USA.
- Huja, A., et al. 2009. "Tolerance of a perennial herb, Pimpinella saxifraga, to simulated flower herbivory and grazing: immediate repair of injury or postponed reproduction?" Plant Ecology 201(2): 599-609.
- Lukes, Roy. Retired director of the Ridges Sanctuary. Personal communications.
