Gas Plant ‘Dictamus albus’: The Alluring Plant That Can Ignite Fire!

The gas plant “dictamus albus” is a flowering plant species belonging to the Rutaceae family. It is also called a burning bush, dittany, or gas plant. This gorgeous globe is found in warm, open woodland settings throughout southern Europe, North Africa, and the majority of Asia.
The Dictamus albus plant grows to a height of 40 to 100 cm. The blooms grow in a loose pyramidal spike and range in color from pale purple to white. The flowers have five petals and long, protruding stamens. The leaves resemble those of the ash tree.

In terms of toxicity, the leaves are bitter and unpleasant. Despite its lemon-like aroma, the plant is bitter when consumed. When consumed, all portions of the plant may induce mild gastrointestinal distress, and contact with the foliage may result in “phytophotodermatitis.” The name “burning bush” comes from the volatile oils generated by the plant, which may easily catch fire in hot weather, prompting analogies to the burning bush of the Bible, including the notion that this is the plant that evolved there.
The gas plant is a striking, erect plant that will add color, height, and intrigue to your landscape. It has a long lifespan and is resistant to disease, pests, and deer, but is not aggressive. Gas plants thrive in sunny, sheltered gardens with fertile, moist, and well-drained soils. These plants have a sensitive root region, which can make them difficult to establish. Gas plants do not require nutrient-rich soil to survive. However, utilizing organic fertilizer in the spring can benefit young plants and those in infertile soils.

Gas plants thrive in sunny locations. They are not fans of extreme heat, so if you live in an area with particularly scorching afternoons, they may do best in a partially shaded setting. If you want your gas plants to thrive, use soils that are well-drained, loose, fertile, and somewhat alkaline. However, they may live in poor soil conditions. When it comes to water, they prefer to be kept regularly damp but not saturated, especially during hot and dry spells.


Warm days and mild nights are ideal for gas plants. It is also advisable to avoid planting them in areas prone to severe winds, unless they are totally sheltered. If you want to cut back on your gas plant, wait until early spring. The gas plant blooms in late spring and summer, with light purple-pink or white flowers. Seed pods that emerge after the blooming season ends provide decorative interest.

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