Dictamnus in nature and garden

[Maggi Young]

We have seen it on our 3 trips to Tallinn Botanic Garden thriving well in the rock garden.  This year however our host Krista was most insistent that we do not touch it.  Is there a problem that anyone knows of?

 The combustible oil given off by the plant,   can also be a skin irritant, Shelagh. Better safe than sorry with such things.

[Brian Ellis]

Has anyone any experience of this plant bursting into flames?

No, but we have lit the combustible vapour given off on one hot summer evening which was great fun

[meanie]

No, but we have lit the combustible vapour given off on one hot summer evening which was great fun

A man of my own heart!
Good old You Tube....................

[Brian Ellis]

Yes that was about as exciting as we found it, was hoping for burning into the night

[fixpix]

Well, my first experience/encounter with this plant was not a happy one.
While hiking through some low mountains in my county (Bihor), I found some plants on the tree and rock covered slopes.
It was a bit late to see the blooms, but the seed capsule structure was enough.
I dug up a couple small plants (there were many around) for my garden.
Needless to say the next day I had a painful rash on my hands/arms. Lasted quite a while...

[Tim Ingram]

I must try that! I've always found Dictamnus fascinating, though unfortunately so do slugs. The seed capsules (and the seed itself) are amongst the most interesting of all plants for their explosive mechanism. Fortunately never had any reaction to the plant, but neither have I to rue or hogweed which are often cited as problems.

[Anne Repnow]

I've had my Dictamnus albus 'Albiflorus' (photo 1) for over 25 years and moved it once without any problems. I am very fond of it because - unlike me - it becomes more beautiful over the decades and it looks well throughout the year. Even the seed capsules are attractive. All Dictamnus needs is a warm sunny spot and well drained soil. Fortunately I do not get a skin rash while handling it.

After many unsuccessful tries I have managed to get a few seedlings this spring (photo 2). I sowed the ripe seeds immediately into compost mixed with sand and left the tray in a transparent plastic bag outside over the winter.

If you want to see the "Gas Plant" burning, have a look at Youtube - there are several videos of this astonishing feature of Dictamnus

[fixpix]

Sure is a white beauty!