The foliage is perhaps the only clue that these plants are a member of the rose family. With bottlebrush-like flowers interestingly opening from the bottom up, this genus has become quite the fashion, many widely used in prairie style planting. Ideal for a moderately fertile, well drained soil in sun or light shade. The taller S. canadensis may require support. Whereas the lower S. obtusa can spread at the root to invade other plants.
Although Sanguisorba flowers produce very little nectar, their flowers are visited by pollinators such as ladybirds, hoverflies and solitary bees, and make a useful addition to a prairie-style planting or simply a late-summer border.