In this article we bring to your attention ash (aka dictamnus, aka burning bush, aka wild star anise) - a special flower with an unpredictable character.

Description of the species

The habitat of the ash tree or burning bush is Europe, all of Asia, located in temperate latitudes, western Russia and the Caucasus. It’s not in the nature of a Yasen person to look for easy ways, so to live in wildlife he chooses rocky places among bushes, and even on calcareous soil.

Ash flowering

Thanks to the bushiness of ash or dictamnus (whichever name is more familiar), it is capable of creating real thickets. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that thanks to the appearance of this plant in your flower garden, you will also receive a piece of wild nature in addition.

Dictamnus in the wild

Ash tree is a perennial plant that can reach almost a meter in height. The ash tree received its main name for the similarity of its dark green leaves with the leaves of the ash tree. The popular name - the burning bush - was given to the ash tree for its complete amazing property– burn and don’t get burned! This almost Biblical miracle is possible due to the presence of a large amount of essential oils in the fruits of the plant, which can be ignited by one match. Another popular name - wild star anise - ash received for the similarity of flowers, and especially the fruiting body (a star-shaped box with seeds) with the dry ripe fruits of real star anise.

Dictamnus blooms until almost half of summer in white, pink and dark red. And so in all respects an original plant, dictamnus also smells in a special way - citrus.

Previously, the most famous species in landscape design was considered to be white ash, but today botanists propose to combine all known species (Caucasian ash. dictamnus caucasicus, hairy ash dictamnus dasycarpus, holocolumnar ash dictamnus gymnostylis and narrow-leaved ash dictamnus angustifolius) in one type. Therefore, we will consider them only as other names for the white ash tree (lat.dictamnus albus).

Dittany

Reproduction of ash

Often in natural conditions you can see an ash tree growing, grabbing onto a rock. It can really take root in a crevice and feel great there, between the stones. As soon as it gets into home conditions, the ash tree will require cultivated soil. Growing ash is carried out in three ways: you can propagate ash by seeds, dividing the bush or cuttings.

How to grow ash tree using seeds

IN open ground you need to sow, so to speak, fresh seeds, just collected (if you do this in the fall or spring, then for some seeds this will slow down germination for a year). If you do not want self-sowing in your flower garden, then collect the seeds before they are fully ripe and shoot out of the fruiting body. But don’t rush to choose for the ash tree permanent place life - for the first two to three years, dictamnus will grow and develop in the seedling row. Determine a place on your site that should not serve a decorative function and sow it with seeds, then thin it out in the spring (so that there is 20 cm between shoots) and plant it, and after three years, take it from the “kindergarten” and plant the white ash tree in a flower garden. Some gardeners note that in our temperate climate, dictamnus seeds do not always have time to ripen, then you will be interested to learn about the vegetative method of growing ash on your site.

How to grow ash tree by dividing the bush

Select for this procedure early spring or early autumn, because in the summer heat all transplanted divisions will die. Even in autumn and spring, when it is no longer very hot, it is still worth choosing cloudy weather for transplanting. There are no special requirements for planting holes, except for the distance to neighboring plants - at least 50cm. After planting, constant, abundant watering is required. When you notice that the plant has taken root and begins to grow in a new place, it is better to reduce watering a little so that the roots do not begin to rot. We can say that propagation of dictamnus by bushes gives almost 100% results. Although some gardeners do not favor this method, fearing that the bush may get sick after replanting. The biggest enthusiasts place stones at the foot of the ash tree planting so that, while warming up in the sun, they can give their heat to the plant all day long. It is also recommended to plant dictamnus bushes in the south or west of the site. A little shadow is allowed.

Cuttings

Another way to propagate dictamnus on a plot is by cuttings. If you cut the young shoot correctly, there is a high probability that it will take root successfully. To achieve this for sure, do not forget about abundant watering, as well as a growth accelerator. It is recommended to cut 10-15cm shoots in the spring and plant them in a greenhouse or under a jar.

Shrub propagation

Whatever method of propagation of dictamnus you choose, do not forget to protect your skin and eyes. For safety reasons, it’s better not to even smell dictamnus – admire it from afar! After carrying out all procedures with the plant, wash your hands and face with soapy water. All this is necessary in order to protect yourself from minor redness and even burns on the body. From close contact with the plant, some may even develop a slight fever and weakness.

Sowing seeds, dividing a bush and cuttings - success will await you everywhere if you do it correctly and in right time carry out the landing procedure. The burning bush will delight you with its appearance for many years.

Care and cultivation features

As we have already seen, the ash tree can “show its teeth.” But don’t let this scare you away from planting such an interesting, albeit slightly aggressive plant on your site. The effect of toxins is especially pronounced in hot weather, and burns, although quite unpleasant, are not irreversible. So, if you understand the character of the ash tree, you will not have problems with it, especially since it has obvious advantages: it is beautiful, durable, and does not require frequent replanting.

Be careful: ash tree causes burns!

Sowing, planting and caring for ash is not difficult; growing it, you will see how unpretentious this plant is. Pay attention to lighting, soil type, watering and fertilizing.

Lighting

In the wild, white ash can be found in sunlit places - the edge of a forest, a mountain slope, as well as in partial shade - sparse forest, thickets of bushes. In culture, it is preferable to plant dictamnus on sunny side plot.

The soil

Ash grows well in light and well-drained soil. He would rather enjoy poor soil than one rich in organic matter. To prevent weeds from drowning out the plant, the soil around it needs to be loosened. It would also be a good idea to mulch the soil around the bush with grass, straw, and peat.

Watering

Dictamnus does not like oversaturation of the soil with moisture. So don't overdo it! Water it generously only in hot weather and for the first time after transplanting. If you forgot to water the ash tree, don’t worry - it tolerates drought painlessly.

Top dressing

You need to maintain the ash tree twice during flowering by applying complex fertilizers. Dictamnus will grow and bloom on sandy soils without additional feeding, but do not expect an increase in the number of flower stalks from it.

All about ash according to a gardener (video)

As you can see, caring for ash is not difficult. Dictamnus does not even need shelter for the winter, because it is winter-hardy. And also the Caucasian ash, white or whatever it is called, is not affected by any pests and diseases, since it is a poisonous species, so you will not need to fool around with spraying the ash against pests. Even weeding, which we wrote about above, serves more of an aesthetic purpose than a practical one, since not a single plant can “clog” its growth.

Ash tree as a landscape decoration

What should you consider when planning to place a dictamnus on your site? Well, first of all, it is poisonous and quite aromatic. When planting an ash tree for permanent residence, think about whether children or pets will walk past this place. No matter how exotic it may be, you should not plant ash along paths and in recreation areas. Dictamnus will successfully perform its decorative function even from the depths of a flower arrangement.

The ash tree copes with the following tasks on the site with a bang:

• Serves as the peak of the entire composition in the highest part of the floral ensemble;
• Decorates flat flower beds;
• Along with other plants, it participates in creating the effect of relay flowering;
• Will fit into any composition in which pinker tones predominate;
• Will complement any group of plants;
• Can act as a background for other colors;
• Looks confident also as a single landing;
• Fits organically into rock gardens and juniper thickets;
• Friends with red day, kachim, limonium, heuchera, iris;
• Lives in one place without transplanting for up to 10 years;
• Will stay in a vase for 4 days;
• If you love country style design, then ash tree can become the most bright accent in him.

In the flower garden

Use of the flower in folk medicine

We have already written above about the toxicity of dictamnus - burns (sometimes even second degree) upon contact with the skin are caused by toxic oils. After a few hours, a blister forms, which, after bursting, leaves a long-healing wound. The scar after a burn fades within a few months. Although in fairness it should be said that the poisonous properties of ash are lost in cultivation and on cool days, when working with gloves, you don’t have to worry about your skin.

In addition to harming the skin, dictamnus also brings benefits. It is due to the presence of essential oils and other beneficial substances in each part of the plant that medicines are made from it.

It is not difficult to prepare ash at home:

• Roots like many others medicinal plants, dig either in the fall or in the spring;
• Dry the roots at a temperature no higher than 30 o;
• Harvest the leaves and stems and dry them in the summer.

Preparations, infusions and extracts are used for:

• Diseases of the genitourinary system (including sexually transmitted diseases) and kidneys;
• Mastopathy, benign tumor uterus and cervical erosion;
• Gases in the intestines, worms and gastritis;
• Impotence, general weakness of the body and fatigue;
• Radiculitis, Gospel disease, eczema and many others.

The medicinal properties of dictamnus are recognized only by traditional medicine.

Despite all its versatility, ash does not require special care, but at the same time it will bring a special character to your site!

Perennial ash tree, popularly known under the poetic name “burning bush”, is a rather exotic crop that requires accuracy and attentiveness. Dictamnus bushes (this is the scientific name of this plant) can ignite from an open flame and can also leave a burn on the skin. Many gardeners agree to put up with such a danger and do not deny themselves the pleasure of having at least one plant, taking the necessary precautions for this.

Spectacular and dangerous - description of the dictamnus ash tree

Ash tree grows everywhere in Europe and in temperate regions of Asia. has a straight but bushy trunk, capable of creating entire thickets. Dictamnus received its well-known popular name - the burning bush - for its ability to flare up from an open fire on hot days. This plant can leave quite noticeable chemical burns on human skin.

The ability to cause a burn and burn is inherent in ash not for reasons of a supernatural nature. Everything is explained quite simply - in the heat the plant emits a large number of essential oils - flammable and irritating to skin receptors. It was the self-ignition of essential oil, quite possible in hot climates, that gave the basis to the biblical legend of the burning bush.

However, one is afraid that this feature will cause a fire, don't. After all, the combustion temperature of essential oil is not sufficient to harm the plants in the neighborhood. However, certain safety rules should still be followed.

The genus of these plants is small; previously only six representatives were identified. They are all similar in structure and appearance, and differ in aesthetic appeal, especially during flowering. This is what attracts the attention of gardeners around the world to them.

Garden ash

Today, all forms of ash are united by botanists under one name - dictamnus alba.

It is a tall perennial plant growing up to one meter in height. The shoots are straight, covered with edges, the rhizome is developed and powerful. The shoots harmonize well with the leaves sitting on long stems. The basal leaves are entire, the stem leaves are odd-pinnate, resembling the shape of ash greens. The foliage is very fresh and has a distinct juicy green color. Even in very hot weather, the ash tree looks as if it has just been watered - fresh and juicy. The rather sharp shape of the leaf harmonizes perfectly with the delicate color of the plant.

Video about the poisonous ash plant:

The color of dictamnus attracts attention with its original color and shape. The flowers reach 2.5 centimeters in diameter and are pale pink or white in color. The petals are pointed in shape, the stamens are graceful, light green, or, less commonly, yellowish in color. The inflorescences reach twenty centimeters in length. They are not particularly magnificent, but are usually large and graceful in shape. The veins on the petals are clearly visible, which adds elegance to the flower.

The plant is inherent strong smell, exuded by it during the flowering period. The aroma of ash, bitter-spicy and reminiscent of dried zest, is very recognizable, but some may find it too intrusive.

The main garden forms of the plant common in our country are pink or dark red. The flowers of the plant are either white or pink. Largely due to the presence of veins of a darker color, pink petals always have very interesting and varied shades. It is almost impossible to find two ash trees that have the same color, which only adds to the attractiveness of the garden ensemble of bushes of this plant

Flowering of ash begins in June and continues for one and a half months. There are also flowerless forms of the plant, which resemble the stem structure and color of magnolia. They are suitable for people who cannot stand the peculiar smell of blooming ash.

Precautionary measures

Dictamnus, being a toxic and poisonous plant, requires some caution. Common judgments about the mortal or even significant danger of this plant are highly exaggerated, but they have certain grounds. Some time after direct contact with the plant, chemical burns may form on the skin. It is dangerous to inhale too much ash aroma - essential oils can cause burns to the respiratory tract. Moreover, all the unpleasant consequences are not felt immediately.

It is necessary to replant, trim and fertilize the ash tree, covering the skin as much as possible with thick clothing. There is no need to bring your face too close to the plant, especially during the flowering period. It is better to protect your hands with gloves, and do not forget that after contact with the plant you should not touch your face and, especially, rub your eyes.

The need for any kind of care for dictamnus occurs very rarely. If you plant the plant correctly, giving it the space it needs to grow, you can limit yourself to infrequent watering - no other care actions will be required for a long time.

Conditions for growing dictamnus

Ash tree is relatively unpretentious, and you can find a place for it in almost any garden. Its main advantage is its complete undemandingness to soils. After all, initially dictamnus grew on clayey and rocky lands, with insufficient moisture and nutrients. Therefore, light and loose soil with a high content of sandy rocks is perfect for the plant. The ash tree is not picky about the nutritional value of the soil. The plant does not like dampness, marshy soils and excessive watering. Bright and strong flowering is observed on calcareous soil, or on soil with a high alkali content.

The ash tree loves light, but light shading will not harm it. You shouldn't plant it under big trees, this can have a bad effect on the color of the stems and the general condition of the plant.

Planting ash

The best period for this is early spring or early autumn. It is better to choose a cloudy, cool day for the procedure. You cannot plant a plant in hot weather - it will not take root and will die.

Dictamnus is planted in regular planting holes, and after planting it is watered abundantly. Abundant watering should be carried out constantly until signs of plant growth appear. After this, excessive moisture can be harmful.

After the ash tree has taken root, it almost always survives in a new place. If signs of root rot appear, this means that intensive watering was stopped too late, or the soil at the planting site is not suitable for the plant.

It is necessary to ensure that a distance of at least half a meter is maintained from the place where the bush is planted to the nearest plants. It is better if the distance is greater - this will save the gardener from the need to regularly trim the bush and allow the plant to form independently without interfering with other bushes.

Caring for dictamnus

The plant is easy to care for. It is hardy and very resistant to drought, because it requires a minimum amount of water even in very hot periods. The exception is the flowering period if it occurs in dry weather. In other periods, the ash tree does not require watering. Even if you do not water at this time, the plant will not die, but flowering may stop.

Fertilizing the soil for ash is absolutely not necessary, although it grows better in rich soil. It is much more important to maintain a sufficiently high alkali content - neutral soil does not like ash tree. It is best to apply alkalizing fertilizers once a year, spring period- it would be enough. It is worth starting from the third year of growth of the bush. If the soil is very poor, you can apply fertilizer in the second year after planting.

If dictamnus grows in a group with other plants, it does not even need periodic loosening of the soil. After completing the soil mulching procedure, you won’t even need to loosen the soil near separately growing bushes. All that is necessary is periodic pruning of the plant.

Can be carried out at almost any time, at the choice of the gardener. The best period for its implementation is early spring, until mid-April, or late autumn, before significant frosts begin. A plant planted long enough limited space, more demanding when it comes to pruning.

How does dictamnus overwinter?

There is no need to take any measures to protect the plant in winter. Ash tree tolerates very well harsh winters middle zone without additional shelter or other measures.

Ash pests

Diseases and pests usually do not threaten the plant. The main reason for poor growth or death of plants is errors during planting. If the procedure is performed correctly, the plant is not subject to any diseases or pest attacks. Spraying and other methods of preventive treatment of plants are not practiced. Weeding from weeds is also more of an aesthetic nature - most pest plants cannot “kill” an ash tree.

How to propagate ash tree

There are three types of propagation of this crop - by seeds, by dividing the bush and propagation by cuttings. In practice, all three methods are used, and the gardener himself chooses which one to give preference.

Growing ash from seeds

Propagation is carried out with freshly collected seed material, immediately after collection, in open soil. Sowing is not done immediately in the place chosen for the plant, but in a seedling row. The plants that appear in the next spring season are thinned out and planted, and then grown for two to three years.

After growing, they can be transferred to their place of permanent growth. In the third year, the ash tree will bloom, so the plant does not perform a decorative function in the first two years. If you sow the seeds not immediately after collection, but in late autumn or spring, they will still sprout, but some of them will germinate for a whole year.

Dividing the bush

The bush can be divided either in early spring, until the twentieth of May, or in September. To divide, you need to wait for cloudy weather and choose fairly large divisions. Divided plants require abundant watering, otherwise they may not take root. When the bush has taken root, the intensity of watering decreases - otherwise it is possible to provoke rotting.

Cuttings of dictamnus

Young ones, correctly cut from the plant, also take root in the soil quite successfully. In order for cuttings to be successful, it is necessary not only to sufficiently water the young plant, but also to add growth accelerators. After such an operation, the success of planting is practically guaranteed - the ash tree will definitely take root.

Remember to protect the skin during all operations with the plant. When carrying out cuttings, it would be useful to protect your eyes from getting juice by wearing glasses. After completing the work, you should wash your hands and face well and change your outerwear. If the juice gets into your eyes, rinse them with plenty of water. The areas of skin on which the juice has come into contact are thoroughly washed with soapy water.

A correctly and timely operation of dividing, cutting or planting seeds guarantees success - the plant grows without requiring special care or frequent fertilization, and already in the second year it begins to perform a decorative function, and in the third year it delights the eye with beautiful and long-lasting flowering. The burning bush is a beautiful, bright plant that stands out in any flower garden - a gardener and his household will love it.

Dictamnus in landscape design

The use of this plant for decorative purposes varies. The ash tree will complement and decorate the landscape when used:

• Like a landscape peak on the highest part of a flower garden
• As a decoration in flat flower beds.
• To create the effect of a flowering relay race.
• In any ensemble with a predominance of pink tones.
• To complement landscape groups.
• As a background for other flowering plants.

When planning a planting site for dictamnus, you need to remember its toxic properties and strong aroma. You should not plant the plant near walking paths or near recreation areas. It is better to place the ash tree in the depths of the flower ensemble, so that it pleases the eye with color, and its aroma can be heard only slightly, but so that accidental contacts with it are completely excluded. Daylilies, Kermek, and Heuchera are well tolerated in proximity to ash trees.

Types of ash with descriptions and photos

Caucasian ash tree Dictamnus caucasicus

Large odd-pinnate leaves are located on a high trunk up to 80 cm. The oblong-lanceolate leaves are slightly pubescent. The stem is crowned with a paniculate or racemose inflorescence up to 15 cm in diameter. Flowers up to 2.5 cm in diameter are white with dirty purple veins or pinkish-lilac with dark purple veins. Flowering begins in June and lasts up to 45 days. Without replanting and dividing, the bushes do not degenerate until 15 years, but in the conditions of the Moscow region they practically do not set seeds.

Holostolumbar ash tree or burning bush Dictamnus gymnostylis

It grows on the banks of rivers in Ukraine and Russia, on the edges of forests and among bushes. The perennial grows up to 40-80 cm in height, slightly pubescent. The elliptical leaves are elongated and pointed at the tips. The inflorescence is racemose, sometimes paniculate. Lanceolate bracts and flowers are located on a bare stem. Blooms in May-June.

Hairy ash tree Dictamnus dasycarpus

Found in East Asia, Siberia, Far East. Stems are erect, 80 cm or more in height. The lower part of the stems is bare, there is slight pubescence. The leaves have a pronounced axis and venation, and an elongated, pointed shape. Inflorescences are paniculate-racemose or racemose. The flowers are irregular, large, 2.5-4 cm in diameter.

White ash tree Dictamnus albus

Distributed in the Middle and Western Europe. Perennial with a well-developed root system. Erect stems up to 90 cm high are densely covered with short, pubescent leaves of dark green color. The paniculate or racemose inflorescences are large, up to 20 cm long. Flowering occurs in June-July, and the seeds ripen in August-September.

White ash tree (Dictamnus albus).

Other names: wild star anise, volcana, ash.

Description. Perennial plant of the Rutaceae family, up to 1-1.2 m in height. It has a highly branched root system. The stems of ash are erect, pubescent in the upper part and covered with black glands in the form of dots. The lower part of the stem is bare or almost bare.
The leaves are alternate, imparipinnate, consisting of 7-9 leathery, pubescent leaflets of an elongated elliptical shape, pointed at the end, finely serrated along the edge. Leaf length is 3-7.5 cm, width - 1.2-3.5 cm. Ash flowers are large, bisexual, irregular, collected in loose apical racemes. The petals are pale pink, white, purple with reddish or purple veins. The calyx is five-parted, glandular-pubescent. There are 10 stamens, which are bent downwards. The flowers have a lemon scent and contain a lot of essential oil.
White ash blooms in June-July. Fruit ripening is in August. The fruit is a capsule that, when ripe, splits into 5 separate fruitlets with 3-4 seeds. White ash grows in sunny, dry places, in light deciduous forests, among shrubs, and rarely in dense forests.
The plant is common in the south European Russia, in southern Siberia, the Caucasus, Altai and the Far East, Central Asia, China, Mongolia. The ash tree is propagated by seeds, dividing the bush, and cuttings.

Collection and procurement of raw materials. For medicinal purposes, the grass and roots of white ash are used and harvested. Ash grass is harvested during the flowering period, and the roots are harvested in the fall, after the fruits ripen.
When harvesting grass, wear long sleeves and rubber gloves. Contact of the grass with the skin can cause dermatitis, which develops 10-15 hours after contact with the grass. In some cases, blisters may even appear. In case of contact with grass, the skin must be washed with water for 30 minutes.
The collected grass is dried in the shade on outdoors or in a ventilated area. It can also be dried in a dryer at a temperature of no more than 35 degrees. Dried ash grass is stored in a dry place in tightly closed jars. Shelf life 1 year.

Composition of the plant. The grass and roots of white ash contain alkaloids (dictamnin, fagarin), dictamnolactone, bitter substances, saponins, furocoumarins, bergapten, essential oil. The roots contain sitosterols and fatty acid.

Useful properties, application, treatment.
White ash has diuretic, soothing, anthelmintic properties. Preparations of this plant are considered effective in the treatment of cystitis, pyelonephritis, kidney stones, algomenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, hysteria, insomnia, epilepsy, as an antipyretic.
Ash tree is also used for gastritis and flatulence. Externally, a decoction of the roots is used to treat eczema, lichen, baldness, nested hair loss, and varicose veins.

Dosage forms and doses.
Herbal infusion. 1 teaspoon of dry crushed white ash grass is poured with a glass of boiling water, left for 40 minutes, filtered. Take half a glass 2 rubles. per day (morning and evening).

Tincture of roots. Prepare a tincture with 70% alcohol in a ratio of 1:10. Leave for 10 days, filter. Take 40-50 drops in a small amount of water 3 times a day.

Root decoction. 1 teaspoon of dry crushed roots per 400 ml of water, cook over low heat for 5 minutes, remove from heat, filter after cooling. Take the decoction inside half a glass 3 times a day. a day 20 minutes before meals. This decoction is also used externally in the form of compresses and washes.

This plant of the Rutaceae family has several names. Scientific - Dictamnus, folk - Burning Bush. It is due to the fact that when high temperatures the plant creates a cloud of essential oil vapor around itself. A lit match brought to a plant in hot weather causes an explosion-pop with the formation of smoke. In this case, the flower itself is not burned. It is unlikely that this experiment will be possible to carry out in mid-latitudes. After all, suitable weather conditions are extremely rare.

Yasenets (burning bush): description

Ash tree, or burning bush, is a tall, from 30 cm to 1 m, beautiful plant with erect, densely pubescent stems. The leaves are similar to ash leaves and are located at the bottom. This is where the name “ash tree” comes from. The leaves are odd-pinnate, dense, pointed-topped, covered with glands that look like small black dots. The same glands are located on the stem, in its upper part. The root is long and branched.

The inflorescence is a large, up to 20 cm, raceme of bright pink flowers with long stamens and five petals, the veins of which are most often colored red or purple. The color of the petals ranges from white and pink to lilac. The size of one flower is up to 2.5 cm. They have an aroma reminiscent of citrus peel.

To many, it resembles the smell of medicine, this is due to the release of essential oils by all parts of the plant.

The fruit is a capsule with five seeds. After ripening in August, they become black and shiny.

Benefits of the burning bush:

1. Yasenets is beautiful with its discreet beauty.
2. It grows without spreading, without covering nearby flowers and plants.
3. Frost-resistant. Overwinters without shelter even in the middle zone. But it is better to grow it in places protected from northern winds.
4. It blooms in June, blooms for a month, and remains decorative throughout the season.

Ash grows wild in the subtropics and southern regions of Europe and Siberia. Many species and cultivated varieties can be grown much further north.

Types of ash:

• White ash (burning bush) grows in southern Europe and Siberia. Plant height is from 90 cm to 1.5 m. Varieties with pink and dark red flowers have been created. Has the smell of cinnamon.
• Caucasian grows up to 80 cm. It grows in Iran, the lower reaches of the Volga. The leaves are ovate. The flowers are lilac or white. Contact with parts of the plant causes dermatitis, and in some cases allergic shock. That's why you can't smell it.
• Fluffy-fruited grows in the Far East. Can be grown in Middle lane. The flowers are bright pink, with red veins.
• Golostolbikovy grows in Crimea, Moldova, the Volzhko-Don region of Russia, and the Dnieper region of Ukraine. Touching this plant causes burns and blistering.

In nature, ash is undemanding to growing conditions. It can cling to a rock and send roots into a crevice between the stones. But at home, ash trees are planted in cultivated soil. The ash tree is propagated by seeds or.

Features of propagation by seeds:

• The seeds are collected before they are fully ripe, otherwise they will shoot out of the box and scatter.
• Sowed in autumn or spring. It is better to sow immediately after collection, because they lose their viability during storage.
• Sometimes seeds sown in autumn germinate in spring. Therefore, it is better to mark or fence off the sowing site.
• If the seeds sprouted very densely, thin out so that the distance between plants is about 20 cm.
• The first year they grow very slowly. In the second or third year they are transplanted to a permanent place.
• The burning bush ash tree will bloom in the 3rd or 4th year.

Some gardeners advise planting ash trees in a permanent place in the second year. This way it takes root better and blooms faster. Over time, the bush grows and the number of inflorescences increases. But it will not occupy a large area.

You can propagate ash trees by dividing the bush; this is also done in autumn or early spring.

Some gardeners claim that the plant reacts poorly to this method of propagation and gets sick for a long time. But in mid-latitudes the seeds do not always ripen. Therefore, the vegetative method of propagation is more often used there.

The area for growing ash must be sunny, the soil must be fertile and limestone. You can take 2 parts of humus and sand and part of turf soil. It is good to add lime before planting. Ash trees will not grow on damp soils. Tolerates slight shade. It will not grow in the shade. Ash trees are planted on southern or western slopes. In order for the soil to warm up as much as possible, large stones are placed at the base. They will give off the heat received from the sun.

Caring for the plant is easy, because the plant is very unpretentious. Ash tree tolerates drought well. But with moderate watering it grows faster. It is not necessary to feed the plant. On sandy soils it can bloom without fertilizer, but does not increase the number of flower stalks.

They feed with fertilizers for flowering plants and add humus.

The soil around the plant is constantly loosened. This is necessary so that the plant is not drowned out. You can cover the area near the ash tree with a thick layer of grass, straw, and peat. It needs to be added throughout the season.

Ash is grown in flowerbeds, placed in single plantings and groups: in mixborders, where it is adjacent to flowers and plants of different flowering periods. Looks good in rockeries, between stones, next to juniper and other evergreens. It is recommended to plant ash next to other slow-growing plants. Ash looks good together with flowers that do not require a lot of moisture: Kermek,. They grow in one place for up to 10 years. When cut, they last up to 4 days.

The burning bush ash tree is one of the plants that causes allergies in the form of a burn.

The toxic oils that the ash tree produces can cause a 2nd degree burn if it comes into contact with the skin. After half a day, a blister filled with liquid forms at the site of exposure. The wound that forms after the blister bursts does not heal for a long time. Then a dark spot appears in its place, which disappears only by next spring. But mostly it concerns wild plants. Cultivated plants almost completely lose their toxic properties. However, in hot weather it is better to work with ash while wearing gloves and long sleeves. They are not dangerous during cooler times of the day.

All parts of the plant contain a large amount of essential oils, alkaloids, flavone glycosides, anthocyanins, bergapten and other beneficial substances. The root contains fatty acids. Therefore, they produce from ash medications wide spectrum of action. To do this, you need to properly prepare the raw materials.

More information can be found in the video:

The roots are dug in spring or autumn and dried at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees. The leaves and stems are collected in summer and also dried. For the preparation of some homeopathic medicines, only fresh leaves are used. All procedures for the procurement of raw materials are performed with gloves and closed clothing. They don't smell the plant. This will protect the skin and mucous membranes from burns.

The plant has diuretic properties. Therefore, preparations from ash are used in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, cystitis and kidney stones. Helps get rid of sexually transmitted diseases, including Trichomonas vaginitis. An alcohol infusion of the root is used to treat mastopathy, fibroids and cervical erosion. Impotence is treated with infusion of seeds.

Infusions of leaves and stems help with bloating, flatulence, and gastritis.

They help get rid of worms. An infusion prepared in a different proportion treats epilepsy, asthenia, relieves fatigue and overwork. It is used as a sleeping pill for insomnia. They treat burning bush and radiculitis. Aqueous extracts are used for this. Jaundice is treated with a decoction of root bark and honeysuckle. Ash not only can cause burns. It is used to treat eczema and dermatitis. But all this is used only in folk medicine. The official plant is not used. Treatment with ash preparations must be carried out carefully so as not to take too large a dose.

Known by the popular nickname “burning bush,” ash tree, or dictamnus, is a herbaceous perennial that requires care in handling. It leaves burns on the skin, can flare up in a matter of seconds, and is toxic, which imposes significant restrictions on the possibilities of use. But those who add at least one dictamnus bush to their garden ensembles will never give up the luxurious flowering of this dangerous beauty. After all, a little caution is not such a big price to pay for amazing tenderness and ease of growing.

naturgucker

The restive character of a non-standard perennial

Ash tree is capable of creating spectacular thickets. These are upright but bushy perennials that grow in vigor every year. Whatever these plants are called! And wild star anise, and ash trees, and burning bush. And the culture has earned each nickname for its unique talents. In hot heat, if you bring fire to the plant, it will burst into flames. And it leaves almost the same burns on the skin as a flame. Many associate the biblical legend of burning bush. And given the ease of ignition of dictamnus, assumptions about the possibility of its spontaneous combustion under the rays of the desert sun are quite logical. But you shouldn’t be afraid of fire: it’s all about volatiles. essential oils, which ignite easily and go out just as quickly, without causing harm to either the plant itself or its neighbors.

Fraxinella (Dictamnus) is a small genus of ornamental Eurasian perennials. Rhizomatous and large, upright growing, up to 1 m in height, they look most attractive during flowering, but their greenery is also very good.

Linda

In the genus Dictamnus, 6 plants were previously identified. But they are all so similar to each other that modern scientists have found an ideal compromise and combined individual forms into one type - dictamnus white (dictamnus albus). Plants formerly known as Caucasian ash tree (dictamnus caucasicus), as well as less popular hairy-fruited (dictamnus dasycarpum), holocolumnar (dictamnus gymnostyli s), narrow-leaved (dictamnus angustifolius) dictamnus today are not even classified as plant forms (all old names are synonyms of dictamnus alba).

Dittany (dictamnus albus) is the most famous representative of the genus, and according to scientists, also the only one. This is a spectacular tall perennial, growing up to 1 m (during flowering). It has a branched, powerful rhizome and straight shoots covered with dense edges. They harmonize beautifully with whole basal and odd-pinnate stem leaves sessile on long petioles. The greenery resembles an ash tree in shape, forms lush clumps, thick, with a cold-gray color. In flower beds, especially at the height of summer, ash trees look fresh, as if they have just been watered. The jagged edge, glandular edge and dense texture of the leaves seem to be specially created by nature in order to advantageously reveal the graceful flowering.

Flowers up to 2.5 cm in diameter with 6 pointed petals are white or pinkish, the stamens are yellow-light green, sometimes colored, elegant. The inflorescences-tassels up to 20 cm long appear lacy, sparse, but very elegant and large. The flowers in them are clearly visible, perceived as massive, and veins are visible on the petals, more typical of leaves. The color is complex, as a rule, the veins are contrasting, and the large stamens only add grace to the asymmetrical flower. One of the undoubted advantages of dicmanthus is its aroma: this plant is very fragrant, and during flowering it is easy to recognize even from a distance. True, not everyone likes the aroma of ash, which is somewhat reminiscent of dry orange zest. After flowering, boxes are formed that hide the black shiny seeds.

White ash has separate garden forms - pink and dark red. The color range of dictamnus is generally limited, but not at all uninteresting. The ash tree produces either white or pink flowers, and the pink colors are always surprisingly complex. Dark pink veins stand out brightly against the background of light petals, making the whole plant seem graphic and watercolor at the same time. In our country, under the guise of a separate plant, they often continue to sell Caucasian ash - a smaller, pink-colored and graceful dictamnus. The best of the white-flowered varieties, "Albiflorus", seems to be a herbaceous relative of magnolias, very elegant and delicate.

Dictamnus blooms in June and July, flowering is long and equally spectacular for almost a month and a half.

Rutab

Yasenets requires a special approach

The main characteristic of dictamnus is its aggressiveness. This is a super-toxic beauty, contact with which leaves severe burns and wounds on the skin. Moreover, the effect of toxins is not immediately felt. Working with dictamnus, planting it and pruning it require extreme caution and complete protection of exposed areas of the skin of the hands. You should also not lean close to the plant or inhale the aroma of flowers (a chemical burn of the mucous membranes is no less dangerous than an epidermal burn). But the myths that one should not approach the plant are unjustified: firstly, the plant leaves serious burns only in sunny weather, and, secondly, even though healing of irritations takes time, they are not at all irreversible. Like any toxic or poisonous plant, ash tree simply requires a careful approach and frankness.

But dictamnus will pleasantly surprise you not only with its beauty, but also with its durability; it does not require replanting for decades. And if you provide them with enough space so that there is no need to contain the plant and limit its spread, the ash tree can be “planted and almost forgotten.”

Ash tree is used in ornamental gardening;

• as a visual peak, the highest emphasis on flower beds and flower beds;
• as a background crop in flower beds and to fill the middle ground of double-sided borders;
• single bushes as a decoration for “flat” flower beds and small groups as a tall flowering decoration for textured flower beds;
• as one of the most eye-catching plants in country style;
• in romantic ensembles with an emphasis on original blooms and a pink palette;
• in landscape groups and massifs;
• in the design of rockeries and rock gardens;
• in mixborders with a flowering relay race.

Panayoti Kelaidis

In flower beds and decorative compositions, dictamnuses should be placed away from paths, so that they are not in the “contact zone”. You need to be careful when placing ash in mixborders or near recreation areas: despite its aroma and beauty, the plant is too toxic to be placed carelessly.

The best partners for dictamnus: heuchera, monarda, kermek, daylilies, liatris, gypsophila

Growing ash

One of the main advantages of ash is that there is a place for this plant in every garden. After all, dictamnus grow well in bright sun, even on the southern sides of rock gardens and rockeries, and in secluded partial shade. True, it is better to avoid strong shading (it negatively affects flowering), but the ash tree practically does not notice light partial shade.

In order for the ash tree to reveal all its decorative talents, it needs to be provided with alkaline or at least slightly calcareous soil. Even on neutral soil, saplings bloom weaker. But other characteristics of the soil are worth paying attention to: dictamnus loves gravel and sand, light, rocky soils, loose and loose. This plant feels great in rocky gardens and is not too demanding on soil nutrition (but grows better in moderately fertile soil than in poor soil). Ash tree does not tolerate damp and waterlogged soils.

Jessica Bachand

Planting ash

This plant can be planted only on cloudy, cool days, exclusively in early spring or September. Dictamnus seedlings respond better to transplantation, but it is also better to transfer them to a permanent place in a favorable period. Delenki transferred to the heat die: in summer any transplantation is unacceptable.

Since the ash tree itself actively grows, it should not be planted too close to neighboring plants. The optimal distance is about 50 cm. Dictamnus are planted in simple planting holes, maintaining the same depth level. After planting, the plant needs to be provided with abundant watering and the procedures must be systematic until signs of growth appear (but excessive dampness should not be allowed).

Caring for dictamnus

Ash tree is a more than easy to care for plant. Thanks to its drought resistance and hardiness, it is content with truly minimal care. Watering for the plant is carried out only during too long a drought during the flowering period, when extreme dryness of the soil can stop flowering earlier.

Dictamnus do not need fertilizing as such, but it is better to maintain at least light nutritional value of the soil and its alkaline characteristics. For this purpose, it is enough to apply a standard dose of alkalizing universal fertilizers once a year, in early spring (you should start from the 3rd year on high-quality soil and from the second on lean).

Ash tree in a flower garden. © Panayoti Kelaidis

Otherwise, caring for ash trees comes down to ordinary procedures - weeding out weeds in flower beds and periodically loosening the soil after heavy rainfall. If dictamnus grow in landscape groups, in large masses, in rock gardens or rock gardens, then they will not need such care. But in flower beds and flower beds you can save yourself from unnecessary worries by simply mulching the soil.

Dictamnus need pruning, but when to do it is up to you. If you want dry shoots and open ash seeds to decorate your garden under the snow caps, leave the pruning until early spring. And those who do not want to add hassle to themselves during the most active season gardening work, can prune dictamnus at the end of the year, in late autumn.

Wintering of ash

Dictamnus are completely winter-hardy plants that are not afraid of even the most unexpected changes. winter temperature and not requiring any special preparation for the coldest time of the year.

Pest and disease control

IN garden culture, as in nature, the ash tree practically does not get sick. The only thing that threatens the plant is improper planting.

gardenfanatic

Methods of propagation of dictamnus

Dictamnus is a very easy crop to propagate. It self-sows and grows so actively that new specimens can be obtained every year.

Propagation of ash by seeds

Seeds, preferably freshly collected. To prevent seeds from scattering, you need to constantly monitor the plant in August, because they crack literally in a matter of days. For this crop, sowing immediately after harvest directly into open soil is more suitable. There are also alternative methods– sowing before winter or in mid-spring, but some of the seeds may germinate only after a year. Dictamnus is sown on seedbeds, and not in a permanent place. Seedlings that appear in the spring are pricked out, leaving 15 cm between plants and grown with at least occasional watering for 2-3 years (dictamnus will bloom only 3-4 years after sowing, so there is no need to rush to transfer it to a permanent place).

Reproduction of ash tree by dividing the bush

For this method, it is critical to adhere to deadlines: if you divide ash bushes in the summer or in hot weather, you will not be able to save parts of the plant. Therefore, the procedure for dividing clumps must be carried out not only by reliably protecting your hands with gloves, but also strictly adhering to the favorable period: early spring until the third ten days of May or autumn, exclusively in September. In order for the cuttings to take root, they must be large, and in the new place the plants will have to be provided with abundant watering.

Propagation of ash tree by cuttings

In ash, non-lignified, young shoots easily take root, provided that after cutting they are treated with growth accelerators. You can root cuttings under hoods in boxes or pots, or in soil in greenhouses.