Sanguisorba canadensis
Canada burnet
 
Sanguisorba canadensis, known as Canada Burnet, is a tall, clump-forming perennial native to moist meadows, streambanks, and boggy habitats in New England. It prefers full sun to light shade and thrives in saturated to consistently moist, acidic soils rich in organic matter. This species integrates effectively into wetland and rain garden plantings alongside other hydrophilic natives such as Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead), Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset), and Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge). The distinctive white bottlebrush flowers bloom late in the season and are a valuable nectar source for a variety of pollinators, including Bombus spp. (bumble bees), syrphid flies, and butterflies such as Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady). While S. canadensis likely does not host specialist herbivores, its dense foliage provides shelter for invertebrates, and its seeds may be opportunistically eaten by small birds such as Melospiza melodia (Song Sparrow). Functionally, Canadian Burnet enhances floral diversity in wetland systems and contributes to the structural complexity critical for wildlife habitat.
 
photo by Ayotte, Gilles