White Ash (otherwise - wild anise, incense, ashberry) is a perennial plant of the root family, spread almost throughout Russia. Grows in a slender, compactly assembled bush.
Ash-tree white: burning fire
The people call this culture an “indelible dome” for its ability to ignite in dry, hot weather, provided that a burning match is brought to the plant. This happens due to the release of volatile essential oils into the surrounding atmosphere (this occurs most intensively during the flowering period), which can easily catch fire. Interestingly, the flame itself has no consequences for the plant itself.
White ash is even mentioned in the Bible. During a pilgrimage to Moses, grazing sheep in the desert, a burning bush appeared, from the flame of which he heard the voice of the god Yahweh, who commanded the promised Jewish people to be brought out of Egypt to Earth . This was ash-tree.
External characteristics of the plant
The described plant reaches a height of about a meter and is characterized by a densely pubescent, erect stem. Glandular hairs in contact with the skin secrete a substance that causes burns.
Moreover, they do not appear immediately, but after a few hours and can develop into poorly healing and bursting blisters. Therefore, working with this, at first glance, harmless, plant is recommended only with gloves. Obviously, therefore, in Latin it is called Dictamnus, which means “punishing bush” in translation.
Leaves of ash-tree of lemon-green color with a silver tint, long-leaved, dense, whole at the base of the bush, and unpaired on the stem. Ash-tree received the Russian name because of the outward resemblance to a tree - ash-tree. The root system is branched, with a thick underground stem and a system of filiform long processes.
Ash tree as a garden plant
The white ash tree, a photo of which you can see in our article, is an attractive plant characterized by very fragrant, white flowers (about 2.5 cm in diameter) with red veins, collected in racemose tall inflorescences (about 25 cm in height).
Its flowers, each of which has 10 curved stamens, are characterized by an irregular shape. One of the five petals is facing down, the other four are raised. White ash, all parts of which have a specific lemon flavor when rubbed, pleases with its bloom in June and July for 30-45 days.
The fruit of the plant is a box consisting of 5 nests. Seeds are shiny, black, ripen in August. But they should be collected a little earlier, since at full maturity the plant shoots them over a long distance.
Belonging to the early perennial flowering perennials, white ash-tree is often found in gardens. It looks gorgeous in group plantings, on lawns, in rockeries, is original against the background of stones near which it likes to grow in nature. Ideal for linear single plantings along garden paths. It goes well with low perennials: tenacious, cotule, antennae, acene, and loosestrife.
Reproduction: methods
White ash-tree blooms on the 4th year of planting. The plant can be propagated by seeds, green cuttings and dividing the bush, which is produced in early spring or autumn. In summer, you can apply the method of propagation by cuttings, which, before planting, it is recommended to treat with a growth stimulator and cover with a plastic bottle for faster rooting.
For this method of reproduction, it is required to take young shoots, since adult and partially lignified stems for cuttings will not work, because they do not form roots.
With the seed method, the optimum sowing time is autumn. Only freshly harvested seeds are highly germinating. Also, sowing can be done in autumn and spring, using stratified seeds for this .
The sprouts that have appeared can be planted in a small greenhouse, grow for 3 years, and then planted in a permanent place: 4-7 plants per 1 m². Plants can be in one place for up to 8 years. Next, a second transplant is required.
White Ash: Growing
For planting ash, it is recommended to choose sunny areas. A good plant will feel in the shade. It does not like moist soil, therefore, when planting, the proximity of groundwater should be avoided. It is advisable to provide good drainage.
Caring for ash is not particularly difficult: watering, loosening the soil, weeding from weeds, mulching. During the flowering period, fertilizing with complex fertilizers is recommended. For the winter does not require any shelters.
White ash, which contains a large number of useful substances, is widely used in traditional medicine. Important factors in this are the timely collection, proper preparation and drying of raw materials and their competent storage.
The plant is useful in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, regulates the menstrual cycle in women, and helps with chronic cystitis and kidney stones. Ash-tree perfectly eliminates bloating and removes worms. Infusions from this herb are used in the treatment of gastritis and flatulence. Effective for insomnia, overwork, asthenia. Ash-based water extracts are used for radiculitis.