PINK GAS PLANT, BURNING BUSH
Dictamnus
SKU: 211-010
Description
Gas Plant is a relatively unknown perennial with outstanding garden performance, and a little flammable surprise! In the summer months, the whole plant is covered with a kind of flammable substance, which is gluey to the touch, and has a very lemony aroma; but if it takes fire, it goes off with a flash all over the plant!
Update! Our 2018 plants are covered in Giant Swallowtail caterpillars (Papilio cresphontes)! Apparently this is common for this plant. If you love butterflies, or have children who love nature, gas plant is an excellent addition to your butterfly garden! See images.
The name "burning bush" derives from the oils produced by the plant, which can catch fire readily in hot weather, leading to comparisons with the burning bush of the Bible, including the suggestion that this is the plant involved there. The daughter of Swedish botanist Carl Linnaues is said to have ignited the air once, at the end of a particularly hot, windless summer day, above Dictamnus plants, using a simple matchstick. Limited supply.
The flowers of Gas Plant (Dictamnus) is similar in appearance to Fireweed (Epilobium), though they are completely different species.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: 48"
Location: Sun or part sun
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Seeds per pack: 10 large seeds
Germination: Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water in. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 5-6 weeks. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature for them to germinate. Germination is generally within 60 days after the warming period, though they could take a few months. If possible, the best location for sowing in March, April and early May, is in cold frame or a cold greenhouse where they will receive the cold period and fluctuating temperatures naturally.
Description
Gas Plant is a relatively unknown perennial with outstanding garden performance, and a little flammable surprise! In the summer months, the whole plant is covered with a kind of flammable substance, which is gluey to the touch, and has a very lemony aroma; but if it takes fire, it goes off with a flash all over the plant!
Update! Our 2018 plants are covered in Giant Swallowtail caterpillars (Papilio cresphontes)! Apparently this is common for this plant. If you love butterflies, or have children who love nature, gas plant is an excellent addition to your butterfly garden! See images.
The name "burning bush" derives from the oils produced by the plant, which can catch fire readily in hot weather, leading to comparisons with the burning bush of the Bible, including the suggestion that this is the plant involved there. The daughter of Swedish botanist Carl Linnaues is said to have ignited the air once, at the end of a particularly hot, windless summer day, above Dictamnus plants, using a simple matchstick. Limited supply.
The flowers of Gas Plant (Dictamnus) is similar in appearance to Fireweed (Epilobium), though they are completely different species.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: 48"
Location: Sun or part sun
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Seeds per pack: 10 large seeds
Germination: Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water in. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 5-6 weeks. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature for them to germinate. Germination is generally within 60 days after the warming period, though they could take a few months. If possible, the best location for sowing in March, April and early May, is in cold frame or a cold greenhouse where they will receive the cold period and fluctuating temperatures naturally.
