Gas Plant (Dictamnus albus): A Fascinating and Flammable Perennial

The Gas Plant, scientifically known as Dictamnus albus, is a captivating perennial that has intrigued gardeners and botanists for centuries. Also called Burning Bush or Fraxinella, this plant is renowned for its unique ability to emit a flammable vapor, especially on hot summer days. Beyond its pyrotechnic properties, the Gas Plant is valued for its ornamental beauty, hardiness, and aromatic qualities.

Appearance and Growth Habit

The Gas Plant is a clump-forming perennial that typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall, with some specimens reaching up to 4 feet under ideal conditions. It features glossy, dark green leaves that resemble those of the ash tree (hence the name Fraxinella, meaning "little ash"). In late spring to early summer, the plant produces striking spikes of flowers in shades of white, pink, or lavender. The flowers are star-shaped with long stamens and often exhibit delicate veining patterns.

The Flammable Phenomenon

What sets the Gas Plant apart from other perennials is its ability to produce volatile oils that can ignite when exposed to a flame on warm evenings. This phenomenon occurs because the plant secretes aromatic compounds (including limonene and other terpenes) that evaporate readily in heat. While spectacular to observe, this characteristic doesn't harm the plant itself. Caution should be exercised when demonstrating this feature, as the flames burn quickly and can be surprising to bystanders.

Growing Conditions and Care

Dictamnus albus thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8. It prefers:

• Full sun to partial shade
• Well-drained, slightly alkaline soil
• Moderate moisture, though established plants are drought-tolerant

One important consideration is that Gas Plants resent disturbance once established. They develop deep taproots and may take 2-3 years to flower when grown from seed or transplanted. However, their longevity (often living 20+ years) makes them worth the wait.

Landscape Uses

The Gas Plant makes an excellent addition to:

• Herb gardens (for its historical medicinal uses)
• Cottage gardens
• Perennial borders
• Rock gardens (in areas with good drainage)

Its vertical flower spikes provide nice contrast to mound-forming plants, and the foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season.

Potential Drawbacks

While generally easy to grow, there are a few cautions:

• The volatile oils can cause skin irritation (photodermatitis) in some individuals
• Slow to establish and difficult to transplant
• Not the best choice for areas with extremely hot, humid summers

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Gas Plant has a rich history in folk medicine, particularly in Europe where it's native. It was traditionally used to treat various ailments, though modern herbalists caution against internal use due to potentially toxic compounds. The plant's flammability also made it the subject of many legends and superstitions.

Conclusion

The Gas Plant is a truly unique perennial that offers multiple seasons of interest. While it requires patience during establishment, its long lifespan, low maintenance needs, and extraordinary flammable properties make it a conversation piece in any garden. For those seeking an unusual, hardy plant with historical significance, Dictamnus albus is an excellent choice that will spark interest (sometimes literally!) for years to come.