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Dictamnus albus
  • Burning Bush

a perennial member of the Dictamnus genus in the family Rutaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Loamy
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 3
    Zone 3
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Dictamnus albus has 0 edible uses listed
Dictamnus albus has 0 material uses listed
Dictamnus albus has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

Poisonous[1].

Edible uses

Notes

A lemon-scented tea is made from the dried leaves[2][3][4]. Refreshing and aromatic[5].

Unknown part

Tea

Material uses

The plant contains an essential oil[6]. Yields from the fresh flowering plant are around 3% on a dry weight basis[7]. This oil is used as a cosmetic[8].

Unknown part

Essential

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The burning bush has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for at least 1,500 years[9]. The root bark is a bitter, strong-smelling herb that lowers fevers and controls bacterial and fungal infections[9]. The plant has an effect similar to rue (Ruta graveolens) in that it strongly stimulates the muscles of the uterus, inducing menstruation and sometimes causing abortion[10]. By contrast, its effect upon the gastro-intestinal tract is antispasmodic and it acts as a mild tonic on the stomach[10].

Both the flowering stems and the root-bark are used medicinally[11]. They are abortifacient, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, aromatic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, galactogogue, stimulant and tonic[11][12][1][2][3][13][6]. The plant is used both internally and externally in the treatment of skin diseases (especially scabies and eczema), German measles, arthritic pain and jaundice[9]. It is little used in Western herbalism nowadays, though it has been recommended for use in nervous complaints, intermittent fevers, scrofulous and scorbutic diseases[8]. Use with caution, in large doses it is poisonous[12][2]. The root bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[9]. An infusion of the leaves is used as a tea substitute and is a good digestive[11].

A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh leaves[12]. It is used in the treatment of female complaints and constipation[12].

Unknown part

Abortifacient
Anthelmintic
Antibacterial
Antispasmodic
Aromatic
Digestive
Diuretic
Emmenagogue
Expectorant
Febrifuge
Galactogogue
Homeopathy
Stimulant
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[14]. Cold stratify stored seed for 6 weeks and sow in the spring in a cold frame[14]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 6 months at 15°c[14]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Division in spring[15]. Take care since the plant resents root disturbance[15]. The plant can also be divided in autumn[16]. We have found it best to tease out divisions from the side of the clump to avoid the need to dig up the main clump. Try to get divisions that already have formed roots. Pot them up in a greenhouse and grow them on for a year to make sure they are well established before planting them out.

Root cuttings in November/December.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Dictamnus albus. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

An easily grown plant, succeeding in ordinary garden soil[15]. It prefers a dry sunny position with some lime[15][17] and is not suitable for heavy or damp soils[18]. Established plants are drought tolerant[19].

A very ornamental plant[15], it should be planted into its permanent position as soon as possible because it dislikes root disturbance[15][14]. The whole plant contains a very aromatic essential oil, giving out a scent somewhat like lemon peel[8]. When the plant is bruised, this smell becomes more like fine balsam[8]. This essential oil is emitted from the plant in hot weather and, on a still day, can be ignited and will burn for a second or two without harming the plant, thus giving the plant its common name[15][8][20][21]. Slugs are strongly attracted to this plant and can destroy it by eating all the young growth in spring[K]. There are at least 2 named varieties, 'Pink' produces a tea with a less lemony flavour but with an added taste of almonds and vanilla, 'White' has a lemony fragrance and taste[5].

The flowers are very attractive to bees[17].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Dictamnus albus. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Dictamnus albus.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Dictamnus albus
Genus
Dictamnus
Family
Rutaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[2][3][4][5]
Medicinal uses
[9][10][11][12][1][2][3][13][6][8]
Material uses & Functions
[6][7][8]
Botanic
[16]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
perennial
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
1 x 0.6 meters
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Bees
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
hermaphrodite

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"image:Blüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Blüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


"image:Blüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Blüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Blüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Blüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Blüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Blüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Blüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Blüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Blüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki."image:Blüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






References

  1. ? 1.01.11.2 Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-35666-3 (1983-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.4 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Coventry. B. O. Wild Flowers of Kashmir Raithby, Lawrence and Co. (1923-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.1 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.58.6 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.4 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.110.2 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.111.211.3 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
  12. ? 12.012.112.212.312.4 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.1 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
  14. ? 14.014.114.214.3 Bird. R. (Editor) Focus on Plants. Volume 5. (formerly 'Growing from seed') Thompson and Morgan. (1991-00-00)
  15. ? 15.015.115.215.315.415.515.6 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  16. ? 16.016.1 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  17. ? 17.017.1 International Bee Research Association. Garden Plants Valuable to Bees. International Bee Research Association. (1981-00-00)
  18. ? Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
  19. ? Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent ISBN 0460045512 (1982-00-00)
  20. ? Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
  21. ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)

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Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Dictamnus_albus&oldid=76876"
Facts about "Dictamnus albus"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familyRutaceae +
Belongs to genusDictamnus +
Has common nameBurning Bush +
Has drought toleranceTolerant +
Has edible partUnknown part +
Has edible useTea +
Has environmental toleranceDrought +
Has fertility typeBee +
Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
Has hardiness zone3 +
Has imageBlüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg +
Has lifecycle typePerennial +
Has material partUnknown part +
Has material useEssential +
Has mature height1 +
Has mature width0.6 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useAbortifacient +, Anthelmintic +, Antibacterial +, Antispasmodic +, Aromatic +, Digestive +, Diuretic +, Emmenagogue +, Expectorant +, Febrifuge +, Galactogogue +, Homeopathy +, Stimulant + and Tonic +
Has primary imageBlüten der Dictamnus albus.jpg +
Has search namedictamnus albus + and x +
Has shade toleranceNo shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
Has sun preferenceFull sun +
Has taxonomy nameDictamnus albus +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +