Burning Bushes


Burning Bush

Six species of perennials were formerly included in this genuse, but it is now regarded as monotypic. Dictamnus albus, a native of dry scrub and pine woods, is and attractive, long-lived plant for borders. Known also as the gas plant. D. albus is rich in volatile oil thain hot weather can be ignited as they evaporate, leaving the plant undamaged. This aromatic herb was first described in Chinese medical texts c.CE600 and remains important for dispelling pathogenic heat. Dictamnus is named after the similarly scented Origanum dictamnu (See, dittany of crete), which in turn is probably named after Mount Dikte in Crete. The common name "dittany" has a similar origin. American Dittany is Cunila origanoides (See, American dittany).

Aromatic, clump-forming perennial with pinnately divided, gland-dotted leaves, to 35cm (14in) long. White to pink or mauve, long-stamened flowers, to 2.5cm (1in) across, sometimes with darker markings, appear in summer, followed by 5-lobed capsules containing hard, black seeds.


Common Name:
Burning Bush
Other Names:
Gas Plant, Dittany
Botanical Name:
Dictamnus albus
Genus:
Dictamnus
Family:
Rutaceae
Cultivation:
Well-drained, fertile, neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade.
Propagation:
By seed sown when ripe; by division in autumn or springm though plants are slow to re-establish. Does not transplant well.
Harvest:
Bark is peeled from roots lifted in autumn and dried for use in decoctions.
Native Location:
SW Europe to China and Korea
Height:
40-80cm (16-32in)
Width:
60cm (2ft)
Variations:
Var. purpureus
Has pink flowers, striped in darker pink. More commonly seen in cultivation that the species.
Height: 40-80cm (16-32in)
Width: 24-45cm (10-18in).
Hardiness:
Z2-9
Parts Used:
Root bark (bai xian pi).
Properties:
A bitter, strong-smelling herb that lowers fever, stimulates the uterus, and controls bacterial and fungal infections.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally and externally for skin diseases (especially scabies and eczema), German measles, arthritic pain, and jaundice. May be combined with Sophora flavescens (See, yellow pagoda tree) as an external wash. Contraindicated during pregnancy. For use by profession practioners only.
Warning:
Skin irritant in sunlight. All parts are harmful if eaten.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 193