Pimpinella saxifraga L.

Nomenclature and Common Names

Pimpinella saxifraga L. is a plant species commonly known as burnet-saxifrage, solidstem burnet saxifrage, or lesser burnet.

Taxonomy and Native Range

It belongs to the Apiaceae family, and is native to the British Isles, temperate Europe, and Western Asia.

Etymological Clarification

Despite its common names, it is not actually a burnet, nor is it a saxifrage, though its leaves resemble those of burnets, and it shares a similar herbal diuretic effect with saxifrages.

Habitat Presence

This plant forms a large portion of the turf on some chalk downs in southern England.

Agricultural Use

It is highly nutritious for sheep and cattle, and was historically cultivated on calcareous soils as fodder.

Historical Herbal Documentation Source

In John Gerard's 1597 work Herball, the plant's properties are praised.

Gerard's Recorded Medicinal Uses

Gerard states that it is "A speciall helpe to defend the heart from noysome vapours and from the infection of the Plague or Pestilence, and all other contagious diseases for which purpose it is of great effect, the juice thereof being taken in some drink...it is a capital wound herb for all sorts of wounds, both of the head and body, either inward or outward, used either in juice or decoction of the herb, or by the powder of the herb or root..."