Small Burnet

Small Burnet is a drought- and cold-tolerant, long-lived, perennial forb that stays green into winter until heavy snowfall.  Introduced from Europe, it is established mainly in the western and northeastern United States.  Individual plants have been known to persist for 20 years or more on western rangelands.  Small Burnet has excellent forage value for livestock.  It is also a desirable food for big game such as elk, deer and antelope, and turkeys, pheasants, and other game birds.  The seeds provide food and the plants serve as cover for many small bird species.  Small Burnet also has value as a human food source.  The leaves have a cucumber flavor that can enhance, for example,  salads, iced drinks, and cream cheese.   Small Burnet grows in clumps, with many stems arising from a thick base with a long tap root.  On dry sites the plants may be only 6 inches tall but can reach 24 inches under irrigation.

Small Burnet does well on infertile and disturbed soils and once established spreads readily  by seed.  It co-exists well with other species, adding to plant diversity.  It is considered fire resistant because its leaves and stems retain a high moisture content during the fire season.   These attributes, combined with its wildlife values and long tap root to hold the soil, make it a valuable addition to reclamation mixes.

Small Burnet does best in full sun and well-drained soils.  It will tolerate partial shade, but not poor drainage or high water tables.  It should be drill seeded at a depth of 1/4 to 3/4 inch.  Full flowering usually does not occur until the second growing season, so grazing should be delayed until at least then.  The life of the plants can be prolonged if permitted to set seed on a rotational basis.