Pest identification
What's eating my sanguisorba canadensis?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on flower stems and leaf bases; honeydew deposits and associated sooty mould.
Control: Water jet spray; insecticidal soap application; encourage natural enemies such as ladybirds and lacewings.
Sawfly larvae
Signs: Caterpillar-like larvae skeletonise leaflets, stripping tissue between veins and leaving a transparent or skeleton effect.
Control: Hand-pick larvae from undersides of leaves; spray with pyrethrum or spinosad if infestation is severe.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged holes in young emerging foliage and stems in spring.
Control: Apply ferric phosphate pellets; grit mulch; hand-pick at night.
Keep sanguisorba canadensis pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Sanguisorba canadensis pests — FAQ
What is eating my sanguisorba canadensis?
Sanguisorba canadensis (Canadian burnet) is relatively pest-resistant, but aphids can cluster on its bottlebrush flower spikes and new stems. Sawfly larvae may skeletonise leaflets. Slugs damage young spring growth. Deer will browse the foliage in gardens close to woodland, though its bitterness provides some deterrence.
How do I get rid of aphids on sanguisorba canadensis?
Colonies on flower stems and leaf bases; honeydew deposits and associated sooty mould. Water jet spray; insecticidal soap application; encourage natural enemies such as ladybirds and lacewings.
How do I get rid of sawfly larvae on sanguisorba canadensis?
Caterpillar-like larvae skeletonise leaflets, stripping tissue between veins and leaving a transparent or skeleton effect. Hand-pick larvae from undersides of leaves; spray with pyrethrum or spinosad if infestation is severe.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on sanguisorba canadensis?
Ragged holes in young emerging foliage and stems in spring. Apply ferric phosphate pellets; grit mulch; hand-pick at night.