Content
Caucasian ash tree is a wild poisonous plant with medicinal properties. It is grown for the preparation of medicinal raw materials used in alternative medicine, as well as for decorative purposes. The ash tree is called the burning bush because of the specific properties of the flowers. The plant is unpretentious, so it can be grown in any conditions.
Description and characteristics
Ash tree (Dictamnus) is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It has erect, thin stems up to 90 cm high. Aboveground shoots are dark green at the bottom, lighter at the top. The stems are prone to lignification in the summer season.
The leaves are basal, oblong-lanceolate with slight pubescence. The color is bright green with rich dark veins.
The ash tree begins to bloom in June and continues for one and a half months
The buds are formed on opposite short stalks. There are 8-12 of them on one stem. Flowers up to 25 cm in diameter. Color depends on the variety. The most common plants are those with pink petals and white veins. There are also varieties with lilac and purple buds.
After the buds wither, fruits in the form of five-lobed boxes form on the stems. Seeds appear in them, which later fall off.
All varieties of the poisonous ash plant are characterized by resistance to low temperatures. The plant overwinters in the ground and does not need shelter. No other preparatory measures are required either.
The plant is drought-resistant and is not afraid of prolonged lack of liquid. Drying out is possible only with a prolonged absence of watering or precipitation. Dry soil can harm the ash tree only during the budding period. In such cases, the flowering of the bushes begins later.
Ash tree is not susceptible to diseases. Bushes are extremely rarely affected by infections, mainly due to the presence of other diseased plants in the garden. Planting in soil contaminated with fungus can also provoke the disease.
Where does it grow
Ash tree prefers rocky and calcareous soils. It tolerates nutrient deficiencies in the soil well, so it grows in almost any conditions.
Burning bush bushes can be found in Europe, as well as in Asia in regions with a temperate climate. In Russia, ash grows in the south, especially in the Caucasus. The plant is widespread in Siberia.
Chemical composition
The roots, leaves, flowers and fruits of ash are used as raw materials for the manufacture of medicinal products. The beneficial properties of the plant are determined by the components included in the chemical composition.
Yasenets contains:
- essential oils;
- alkaloids;
- saponins;
- choline;
- anethole;
- methylchavicol.
The plant secretes essential oil through glands that are located on the shoots, leaves and flowers. In many photos and descriptions, the Caucasian ash tree is called the burning bush. This is explained by the specific properties of the plant.
If you set a flower on fire, a low flame will appear
The plant will not be damaged by fire, which is why it is called unburnable. This property is explained by the content of alkaloid substances, including dictamnine and trigonelline.
Why is it dangerous?
The ash tree is called a poisonous plant, but it actually does not have toxic properties. Essential oils contained on shoots and flowers can cause a burn.
Typically, skin damage appears 1-2 days after contact with the plant. Moreover, this only happens if the touch happened in windless, dry weather. To date, it is not known for certain which substances in the composition provoke burns.
Types and varieties of plants
Ash tree is a genus of perennial herbs. There are several varieties that differ in appearance.
Dittany
It is considered the most common type. White ash (Dictamnus albus) is a perennial up to 90 cm with dense basal leaves.
The plant blooms for up to 35 days starting in mid-June
Because of the color of the petals, ash is often called white saffron.Buds form at the top of the shoots. Fruits with seeds ripen in early September.
Caucasian ash tree
Perennial, height 70-80 cm. Caucasian ash tree (Dictamnus caucasicus) grows mainly in the southern regions.
The plant is characterized by high drought resistance
During the flowering period it is covered with numerous buds that form a large brush. They consist of bright pink-lilac petals. Flowering lasts up to 45 days.
Hairy ash tree
Grows in Siberia, the Far East, and Asia. Hairy ash tree (Dictamnus dasycarpum) reaches 1 m in height. The perennial prefers loose soil and areas in partial shade.
Ash tree can grow in one place for up to 15 years
The lower part of the shoots is practically without foliage. Dark, warty glands are present on the stems of the ash tree. The leaves are oval, pointed. Flowers up to 4 cm in diameter, 5-6 petals, pink with purple veins. The name of the variety is explained by the fact that the seed pods are covered with fine hair.
Ash tree
A low-growing perennial, from 40 to 70 cm in height. The stems of holocolumnar ash (Dictamnus gymnostylis) have practically no foliage. Small plates are present only near the bracts.
Holostolic ash tree begins to bloom in May
The petals of the plant are pinkish. Purple veins are clearly visible on them. The variety is considered the most resistant to adverse factors.
Reproduction methods
Some experts classify ash tree as a weed plant. This is explained by the fact that it quickly reproduces by self-seeding. If you need to obtain new copies, you can use one of the methods.
Propagation by seeds
Planting material is collected in August.After flowering, fruits are formed, in which seeds appear. It is necessary to cut the boxes before they open. Otherwise, the planting material will be lost.
When growing Fraxinella ash from seeds, you need to take into account that they have an average germination rate. Up to 70% of planting material germinates if the necessary conditions are provided.
Dividing the bush
The procedure is carried out in spring or autumn. In summer, the plant cannot be divided, as the sprouts do not take root well in the soil in hot weather.
Procedure steps:
- The bush is dug up and removed from the ground.
- The roots are cleaned and divided into several parts.
- The resulting seedlings are planted on the site.
- Provide abundant watering.
The procedure is carried out in protective clothing to prevent burns. The bush cannot be divided during flowering.
Propagation by cuttings
Young, non-lignified shoots can be used as planting material. Plants are harvested in the spring before flowering begins. Cut cuttings 6-8 cm long.
The cuttings quickly take root in a container with nutritious soil. They are covered with film or a plastic bottle. Planting into the soil is carried out in the fall.
Planting and caring for ash
Burning bush is an unpretentious plant. It can be planted in an area with any type of soil. The cultivation technology provides a small list of activities.
Timing of sowing seeds
Experienced gardeners recommend planting immediately after harvest. It is believed that seed germination will be higher.
Seeds are sown on cool, cloudy days in September
Planting in spring is allowed. For the winter they are left in a dry place at a temperature of 6-12 degrees. When planting in spring, you need to make sure that the soil is warm. Typically, seeds are sown in April, when the constant temperature exceeds 8 degrees and the risk of frost has passed.
Soil preparation, location and sowing of seeds
Open, well-lit areas are best suited for growing ash and burning bush. Planting in partial shade is allowed. Ash trees cannot be planted in shaded areas, as they will not fully develop.
Loose soil with lime is suitable for bushes. Before planting, it is recommended to dig up the area and add compost or humus. This is done 2-3 months before sowing.
Planting stages:
- Dig shallow furrows in the soil.
- Sprinkle wood ash or shredded compost on the bottom.
- Water the soil.
- When the water is absorbed, place the seeds at a distance of 8-10 cm on the bottom.
- Sprinkle with loose soil.
Seeds germinate in 12-14 days. Seedlings require abundant watering. No fertilizing is applied in the first year.
Aftercare
After planting in the ground, pink ash, like other species, needs periodic watering. It is carried out as the soil dries out, but not more than 2 times a week. 1 bush requires 10-15 liters of water.
The soil is loosened and mulched once a month. These procedures promote better fluid drainage and maintain humidity at an optimal level. Bark, sawdust or straw are added to the soil as mulch. During loosening, weeds growing around the ash tree should be removed.
The plant prefers alkaline soil
It is necessary to apply lime and appropriate fertilizers.You can use chalk, wood ash, dolomite flour, which also reduce acidity and increase the alkalinity of the soil. They are applied 2 times in the spring before flowering begins, and also in the fall after the final watering. Fresh bird droppings and cow manure are not recommended, as they affect the acidity of the soil and also accelerate the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
Diseases and pests
In photographs of ash flowers one can rarely see signs of fungal or viral infection. The plant is resistant to infections and almost never gets sick. The disease can be triggered by waterlogging of the soil, prolonged drought and fluid retention in the roots. The pathology is accompanied by wilting of flowers. Subsequently, the bush dies and must be dug out of the soil.
To prevent diseases, ash trees need to be treated with a fungicide twice a year - in spring and autumn. As a preventative measure, it is possible to use an infusion of wormwood, garlic or calendula.
The plant does not attract pests and therefore does not require protective measures.
Medicinal properties of Caucasian ash
Yasenets are used exclusively in alternative medicine. The medicinal properties of this plant have not been confirmed in the laboratory and have been questioned by many doctors. Traditional healers claim that the burning bush has a wide range of healing qualities.
The plant is credited with the following properties:
- sedative;
- diuretic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- anthelmintic;
- antipyretic.
The juice obtained from the ash tree is used to treat warts and other skin defects. Infusions and decoctions are used as a remedy against mites, urticaria, and fungal lichen. They are applied to the affected areas of the skin in the form of compresses.
Ash tree is taken internally only as a sedative and diuretic. The dry plant is brewed in boiling water and drunk instead of tea. Before using ash for medicinal purposes, you should definitely consult a doctor and also make sure there are no contraindications.
Collection and preparation
Ash rhizomes and stems are harvested as medicinal raw materials. According to herbalists and healers, it contains the most beneficial substances.
Harvesting of roots is carried out in the fall. This cannot be done in the spring, since after wintering the plant is depleted and there are very few nutrients in it. The bush should be trimmed and dug up. The roots are soaked in water and washed from the soil. Subsequently, they are dried in a well-ventilated, sunny place.
Ash shoots are harvested after flowering. The seed pods are removed and the stems are cut at the root using pruning shears. They are subsequently crushed and dried.
Harvested ash should be stored in paper bags or breathable fabric bags. Medicinal herbs should be kept in a place inaccessible to children and animals. The shelf life of prepared raw materials is 1 year. Subsequently, it loses its properties and becomes unsuitable for consumption.
Conclusion
Caucasian ash is a wild perennial shrub that is grown for decorative purposes, as well as to obtain medicinal raw materials. The plant is resistant to unfavorable factors, so it can be easily grown in all regions of the Russian Federation. Ash tree is characterized by long-lasting flowering and low maintenance.When growing such a plant, precautions must be taken to prevent possible damage to the skin.
