Gas plant Dictamnus albus var. purpureus
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the gas plant showcases a striking appearance with characteristic features that make it a unique addition to gardens. It is adorned with upright clusters of charming, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a spectrum of shades from white to a deep, purplish-pink color, giving it an opulent and vibrant look. These flowers are arranged in a raceme, which gracefully elongates as blooming progresses, creating an impressive floral display. The foliage of the gas plant is dense and bushy with compound leaves that are finely divided, lending a feathery texture to the plant structure. Each leaf is composed of several smaller leaflets that are oval or lance-shaped and have smooth edges. The leaves are glossy and emit a lemony or citrus-like fragrance when brushed against or crushed, adding to the sensory experience of the plant. In addition to its fragrant leaves and beautiful flowers, the gas plant has a unique characteristic that has earned it its common name. It is known for emitting a volatile oil, particularly on warm evenings, which can, under the right conditions, be ignited with a match, creating a brief and harmless flash of light. This unusual feature, while not recommended to try at home, contributes to the mystique and allure of this stunning perennial. The entire plant presents itself with a sturdy and robust form, with a woody root system that anchors it firmly into the ground. The stems are thick and erect, providing steady support for the heavy load of flowers and foliage. When in full bloom, the gas plant makes for a visually impactful display, drawing the attention of passersby and pollinators like bees and butterflies to its flamboyant blooms and aromatic leaves. Overall, the gas plant is an enchanting species that adds both beauty and intrigue to the natural landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rutaceae.
Synonyms
Burning Bush, Gas Plant, White Dittany, Fraxinella.
Common names
Dictamnus albus var. purpurea, Dictamnus fraxinella Pers.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Dictamnus albus var. purpureus, commonly known as the gas plant or burning bush, contains compounds that can be toxic to humans. It is not typically fatal, but ingestion of any part of the gas plant can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Contact with the skin can cause phytophotodermatitis, where components of the plant make the skin hypersensitive to sunlight, leading to blisters, dermatitis, or rashes upon exposure to sunlight. It is strongly advised to avoid ingesting any part of the gas plant and to wash hands thoroughly after handling it.
To pets
The gas plant or burning bush is also toxic to pets. Ingestion of the plant by animals can lead to similar symptoms as in humans, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly abdominal pain. If your pet has consumed any part of a gas plant, it is important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Like humans, pets may also suffer from skin irritation or phytophotodermatitis if they come into contact with the plant and then are exposed to sunlight. Owners should prevent their pets from ingesting or coming into close contact with the gas plant to avoid these adverse health effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Dictamnus albus var. purpureus, commonly known as Gas plant, is valued for its showy, purple-colored flowers that enhance the aesthetics of gardens and landscapes.
- Drought resistance: Gas plant is known for its ability to withstand periods of drought, making it a practical choice for low-water use gardens and xeriscaping.
- Longevity: Once established, the Gas plant has a long lifespan and will thrive in a garden setting for many years, requiring minimal replacement.
- Pest resistance: The plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, which reduces the need for chemical treatments and promotes a healthier garden environment.
- Low maintenance: Gas plant requires little care beyond the basic needs, making it ideal for gardeners who desire a beautiful garden with minimal effort.
- Attracting pollinators: The vibrant flowers are appealing to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, helping to support local ecosystems.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Dictamnus albus has shown properties that could be effective in inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Anti-inflammatory: Some compounds found in the plant have been noted for their potential to reduce inflammation.
- Analgesic: There have been indications that the plant might have pain-relieving properties.
- Skin conditions: Traditional use suggests applications in treating skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis, though rigorous scientific evidence may be limited.
- Gastroprotective: Dictamnus albus might have properties that can help protect the gastrointestinal tract, according to some traditional medicine sources.
- Antioxidant: The plant may contain compounds that exhibit antioxidant properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic subject: The Dictamnus albus var. purpureus, commonly known as the Gas Plant, can be used by photographers to capture the beauty of its unique floral structure and the phenomenon where the volatile oils it secretes can be ignited on a warm day, providing an interesting subject for photography enthusiasts.
- Insect repellent: The plant's leaves have been used traditionally to ward off insects, as the volatile oils that can be flammable are also strong in scent, which can be disagreeable to some insects.
- Perfumery: The Gas Plant's aromatic properties can sometimes be utilised in the creation of perfumes or aromatic oils, although this is not a common use due to the potential skin irritation caused by its oils.
- Decorative dried flowers: The seed pods and dried flowers of the Gas Plant can be used in decorative arrangements, where they can retain their shape and add an exotic look to dried floral arrangements.
- Garden design: As a perennial plant with distinctive flowers, it is often used in landscape design for borders and as an accent plant due to its visual appeal.
- Educational tool: In botanical studies, the Gas Plant can be used to demonstrate plant respiration and the volatility of plant oils.
- Light source: On calm summer nights, some past traditions involved igniting the gas plant's emissions to create fleeting natural torches without harming the plant, providing a natural, albeit temporary, light source.
- Moth deterrent: When planted near clotheslines or windows, the strong scent of the Gas Plant is said to help deter moths and other insects, protecting fabrics.
- Culinary experiments: While not common and requiring careful preparation due to potential toxicity, some enthusiasts may use the aromatic oils of the plant in highly controlled culinary experiments to impart unique flavors to dishes.
- Artistic inspiration: The striking appearance of the Gas Plant, with its bright flowers and flame-like seed pods, can serve as an inspiration for artists and craftspeople in various mediums.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Gas plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Gas plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity - Dictamnus albus var. purpureus, commonly known as the Gas Plant, symbolizes purity due to its bright white flowers which are often associated with innocence and cleanliness.
- Enlightenment - Known to produce a volatile oil that can ignite on a hot day, this plant has been linked to the theme of enlightenment, exemplifying a sudden, powerful clarity or revelation.
- Mysticism - Due to the Gas Plant's unique ability to create a flammable gas, it holds associations with the mystical and magical, often representing things that are beyond the immediate grasp of reason and science.
- Perseverance - The Gas Plant is a hardy perennial that lives for many years, representing the trait of perseverance and the ability to endure adversity while maintaining one's qualities.
WaterThe Gas Plant (Dictamnus albus var. purpureus) prefers consistent moisture, but it's important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. For mature plants, water deeply once a week with approximately one to two gallons of water, depending on the weather and soil drainage. During hot or dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler or rainy conditions, reduce the frequency. It's essential to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf scorch and to instead water at the base of the plant. Adjust watering routines based on the plant's response and local climate variations.
LightGas Plants thrive in full sun, where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering might be reduced. The ideal spot for a Gas Plant is a location that gets morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in regions with intense midday sun. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as this can lead to sparse growth and poor blooming.
TemperatureGas Plants are hardy in conditions where temperatures don't typically drop below -30°F, making them suitable for USDA zones 3 to 8. They perform best in temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F during the growing season. While the Gas Plant can tolerate high summer temperatures, prolonged exposure to temperatures over 90°F may stress the plant and necessitate additional watering.
PruningPruning Gas Plants is mainly done to remove spent flower spikes after blooming, which encourages a tidy appearance and may promote a second blooming. Deadheading the faded blooms can be done throughout the summer. In late winter or early spring, you can also remove any dead or damaged branches to maintain plant health and shape. Pruning is typically not required more than once per year unless there is dead or damaged growth.
CleaningNot needed
SoilBurning Bush prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Mix equal parts garden soil, sand, and peat for the best soil composition.
RepottingBurning Bush rarely needs repotting as it prefers to be left undisturbed. Repot only if the plant outgrows its container or every 3-4 years.
Humidity & MistingBurning Bush does well in average humidity levels but does not require any special humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and well-draining soil; avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleDictamnus albus var. purpureus, commonly known as the purple gas plant, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in late spring, requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Seedlings develop into a rosette of pinnate leaves in their first year, focusing on establishing a strong root system. In the following years, the plant matures and elongates, forming an upright bushy structure with woody stems, reaching up to 90 cm in height. From late spring to early summer, it produces fragrant, showy purple or pink flowers on tall spikes, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, seed capsules form and, by late summer, they burst open to disperse seeds, which can fall near the parent plant or be carried away by various means. Throughout autumn, the plant's above-ground parts die back, with the perennial rootstock surviving the winter to regenerate the next season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the gas plant, Dictamnus albus var. purpureus, is by seed. Seeds should be sown in fall or early spring directly into a cold frame or outdoors in a seedbed. The cold temperatures help break the seed dormancy, a process called stratification. It's important to be patient as the gas plant can be slow to germinate, sometimes taking several months. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, typically when they have a couple of sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into their permanent positions in the garden. It's essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained and not to cover the crowns of the plants with soil when planting.
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