Seed Germination of Burnet, Sanguisorba spp.

Seeds of great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis L. [Rosaceae]), Menzies’ burnet (S. menziesii Rydb.), and Canadian burnet (S. canadensis L.) germinated most rapidly and completely at 24 to 25 °C (75 to 77 °F) constant temperatures following 6 mo dry storage at 4 °C (39 °F). Presence or absence of light (150 μmol/(m2•s) 18-h photoperiod), removal of the calyx hull or dry storage at 4 °C (39 °F) for 1 y did not affect germination percentages of great and Canadian burnet. Canadian burnet and Menzies’ burnet showed little or no germination at 5 °C (41°F), and poor germination (<50%) at 30 °C (86 °F). In contrast, great burnet germinated at all temperatures from 5 to 30 °C (39 to 86 °F). All 3 species have potential in roadside revegetation, wildflower meadows and home landscapes. Germination under controlled conditions is rapid and requires no special pretreatments for optimal results.