Burnet-saxifrage

Information on Burnet-saxifrage

Common Name: Burnet-saxifrage
Scientific Name: Pimpinella saxifraga
Irish Name: Ainís fhiáin
Family Group: Apiaceae
Distribution: View Map (Courtesy of the BSBI)
Flowering Period


Click for list of all flowering by month
Burnet-saxifrage is not easily confused with other wild plants on this web site.


An erect perennial of sandy, dry, grazed grassland and on calcareous ground, Burnet-saxifrage grows about 80 cm tall. It bears umbels of tiny white flowers, each umbel having 6 to 20 rays, each petal having a long, inwardly-curved point. They bloom from June to September. This is a branched, downy plant and it has stems which are slightly ridged. The basal leaves are oval and pinnate while the bi-pinnate stem leaves are divided into long narrow segments. A native plant, Burnet-saxifrage belongs to the Apiaceae family. 

I first recorded this plant at Lady's Island Lake, Co Wexford in 2010 when I also photographed it.  

If you are satisfied you have correctly identified this plant, please submit your sighting to the National Biodiversity Data Centre

Burnet-saxifrage has been used by herbalists in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. It is reputed to have many more useful properties such as its efficacy in reducing inflammation and easing toothache.  

Burnet-saxifrage
Burnet-saxifrage
Burnet-saxifrage