Family: Rutaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 383 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Dictamnus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to SW. Siberia and W. Himalaya
Description
The Burningbush, scientifically known as Dictamnus albus, is an intriguing and highly distinctive plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family. Its native range extends from Europe through southwestern Siberia and even to the western Himalayas, making it a versatile and widely recognized species across several continents.
Characterized by its striking appearance, the Burningbush captivates observers with its tall, majestic presence. The plant typically grows to a height of 60 to 120 centimeters (2 to 4 feet). Its stems are adorned with smooth, dark green leaves arranged in an opposite pattern. These leaves are compound, with each leaf comprising multiple leaflets that possess a glossy texture and a pleasant citrus scent when crushed.
The most remarkable feature of Dictamnus albus is undoubtedly its flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the flowers are usually white or pale pink with intricate purple veining. They form in loose, terminal racemes that rise above the foliage, providing a striking contrast against the green backdrop. The flowers’ symmetry and delicate structure make them a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
A unique and somewhat eerie characteristic of the Burningbush is its production of volatile essential oils. These oils can be released in significant quantities during warm weather, creating a highly flammable atmosphere around the plant. Despite its name, the Burningbush does not spontaneously ignite; however, it can produce small flames when a match or lighter is held near the volatile oils. This phenomenon, though rare and requiring specific conditions, serves as a fascinating display of the plant’s natural chemistry.
Dictamnus albus has also been noted in historical texts and cultures for its medicinal properties. It has been employed in traditional medicine for its reputed anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. However, caution is advised with its use as the plant is known to cause skin irritation and photosensitivity in some individuals.
The Burningbush’s adaptability to various climates and soils has made it a subject of interest in botanical gardens and natural reserves. It thrives in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade. Moreover, the plant is relatively drought-resistant once established, adding to its utility in gardens designed for minimal water usage.
In summary, the Burningbush (Dictamnus albus) is a plant of both beauty and mystery. From its visually captivating flowers to its unusual flammable oils, it continues to intrigue botanists and gardeners alike. Found in a vast geographical range, it stands as a testament to the diversity and adaptability of the flora belonging to the Rutaceae family.
Common Names
Eng: burningbush, dittany, fraxinella, gasplant, white dittany
Deu: diptam, gewöhnlicher diptam, brennender busch, weißer diptam
Swe: moses brinnande buske, diptam
Fra: dictame blanc, herbe aux éclairs
Ita: dittamo
Pol: dyptam jesionolistny
Spa: díctamo blanco
En: Burningbush, Dittany, Gasplant, Fraxinella, White Dittany, Burning Bush, White Fraxinella
Az: Ağ alışan
Bg: Росен
Ca: Lletimó, Dictam
Zh: 白鲜属
Hr: Jasenak
Cs: Třemdava bílá
Da: Hvid Diktam
Nl: Vuurwerkplant, Essenkruid
Eo: Diktamno
Et: Valge moosesepõõsas (valge diktamnus)
Fi: Mooseksenpalavapensas, Palavapensas
Fr: Dictame blanc, Herbe aux éclairs, Fraxinelle, Fraxinelle blanche, Dictame des boutiques, Petit Frêne, Buisson ardent
Ka: Იფნურა
De: Brennender Busch, Weißer Diptam, Diptam, Gewöhnlicher Diptam, Eschen-Diptam
Hu: Nagyezerjófű
Io: Diktamo
It: Dittamo, Frassinella, Limonella
Kk: Küýmesgül, Күймесгүл, كۇيمەسگۇل
Ko: 백선
Oc: Dictam
Fa: ونک
Pl: Dyptam jesionolistny
Ru: Ясенец белый
Sr: Јасенак
Sk: Jasenec biely
Es: Díctamo blanco, Fresnillo, Gitam, Navadni jesenček, Dictamo blanco, Fraxinela
Sv: Moses brinnande buske, Diptam
Tr: Gazel otu
Uk: Ясенець білий
Synonyms
- Dictamnus fraxinella var. albus (DC.)
- Dictamnus fraxinella var. albiflos (Rchb.)
- Dictamnus albus var. gynodynamicus (Beck)
- Dictamnus caucasicus ((Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Fisch. ex Grossh.)
- Dictamnus albus var. bucharicus (N.A.Winter)
- Dictamnus fraxinella var. obtusiflorus ((W.D.J.Koch) W.D.J.Koch)
- Dictamnus albus var. caucasicus ((Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Rouy & Foucaud)
- Dictamnus albus var. angustifolius ((G.Don ex Sweet) Parl.)
- Dictamnus albus subsp. turkestanicus (N.A.Winter)
- Dictamnus fraxinella (Link)
- Dictamnus fraxinella var. macrophylla (Schur)
- Fraxinella dictamnus (Moench)
- Dictamnus albus subsp. gymnostylis ((Steven) N.A.Winter)
- Dictamnus gymnostylis (Steven)
- Dictamnus albus var. europaeus ((Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) N.A.Winter)
- Dictamnus fraxinella var. europaeus (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.)
- Dictamnus dasycarpus f. velutinus ((Nakai) W.Lee)
- Dictamnus fraxinella var. grandiflorus (Barr & Sugden)
- Dictamnus macedonicus ((Borbás) Pénzes)
- Dictamnus microphyllus (Schur)
- Dictamnus levistylus (Borbás)
- Dictamnus angustifolius (G.Don ex Sweet)
- Dictamnus tadshikorum (Vved.)
- Dictamnus albus var. leucopetalus (Guss.)
- Dictamnus odorus (Salisb.)
- Dictamnus albus var. purpureus (Guss.)
- Dictamnus solitarius (Stokes)
- Dictamnus caucasicus var. grandidentatus (N.A.Winter)
- Dictamnus albus subvar. purpureus ((DC.) Rouy)
- Dictamnus albus var. albiflos ((Rchb.) J.Compton & Akeroyd)
- Dictamnus major (Vilm. ex Voss)
- Dictamnus albus subsp. caucasicus ((Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) N.A.Winter)
- Dictamnus albus var. obtusiflorus ((W.D.J.Koch) Nyman)
- Dictamnus fraxinella var. caucasicus (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.)
- Dictamnus himalayensis (Royle)
- Dictamnus albus subvar. angustifolius ((G.Don ex Sweet) Rouy & Foucaud)
- Dictamnus fraxinella var. microphylla (Schur)
- Fraxinella alba ((L.) Gaertn.)
- Dictamnus albus var. macedonicus (Borbás)
- Dictamnus generalis (E.H.L.Krause)
- Dictamnus fraxinella var. purpureus (Guss.)
- Dictamnus albus var. himalayensis ((Royle) N.A.Winter)
- Dictamnus dasycarpus var. velutinus (Nakai)
- Dictamnus obtusiflorus (W.D.J.Koch)
- Dictamnus longifrons var. leucopetalus (Borbás)
- Dictamnus albus var. lanceolatus (Pasq.)
- Dictamnus caucasicus var. angustifolius (N.A.Winter)
- Dictamnus altaicus (Fisch. ex Royle)
- Dictamnus albus subvar. latifolius (Rouy & Foucaud)
- Dictamnus sessilis (Wallr.)
- Dictamnus suffultus (Wallr.)
- Dictamnus davuricus (Voss)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Altay (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Krym (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sinai (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Tadzhikistan (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Uzbekistan (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Michigan (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Vermont (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Шамхалов Магомед (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 11, 2020 by Dominik Zentgraf (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2017 by christophe gorla (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Palo Rapos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by federica roncali (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Palo Rapos (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 23, 2020 by Jan Regouin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 5, 2020 by Toñi Antonio (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2020 by Kerepesy Krisztián (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2021 by jack (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2020 by hanini (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2021 by jack (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 22, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Sabrina Sommaruga (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5421338)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:772356-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dictamnus albus L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.5
Light: 6
Atmospheric humidity: 3
Soil nutriments: 2