Pimpinella major aka Greater Burnet Saxifrage

Pimpinella major is a herbaceous perennial: a plant with soft stems that lives for years. It belongs to the Apiaceae family. Gardeners call it greater burnet saxifrage. Kew lists Europe as its native range. The RHS extends that range into southwest Asia. It also lists the plant as native to Britain and Ireland. It grows on hedge banks, at woodland edges, and in grassy places.

The plant forms bushy clumps that stand upright. Its stems have grooves along them. It grows about 4 feet (1.2 metres) tall. Mature clumps spread about 2 feet (0.6 metres) wide. The green leaves look glossy and have divided blades. They are deciduous, so they do not stay year-round. White flowers form flat-topped clusters called umbels above the leaves. They bloom from June to July. These pale, raised flower groups make up the main show.

Give it rich soil that stays moist but drains well. The RHS favours loam and a sunny spot. Missouri Botanical Garden says part shade suits it too. The RHS also lists chalk, clay, and sand as suitable soils. It grows in acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil. Give it a medium amount of water when grown. Plants reach their full size in about one to two years. The RHS gives it a cold hardiness rating of H5. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 5–8. Sow seeds outdoors to raise new plants.

Its loose form suits wild gardens and meadows. It also fits open woods and gardens for wildlife. Grow it in borders, though it can look weedy. That look does not prove it tends to spread. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy. Missouri Botanical Garden says it needs little care. It reports no serious pest or disease problems. The RHS still names aphids, slugs, snails, and mice as possible pests. Powdery mildew and downy mildew may affect plants too.

Plants For A Future records a limited food use. Root oil adds flavour to sweets and drinks that contain alcohol. This does not show that whole roots are safe food. The source also records past uses of leaves and roots as medicine. People used them for coughs, inflammation, and to increase urine flow. These records do not prove that the treatments work. Fresh roots taste sharp, but drying makes that taste less strong. The source warns that light-skinned people may become more sensitive to light. It urges care because the plant contains essential oils and saponins.