2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Ash (lat. Dictamnus) - a genus of flowering plants of the Rutaceae family. In nature, representatives of the genus are found in the Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan), in all European countries, in the European part of Russia and some Asian countries with a temperate climate. The people call the plant ash-tree, wild star anise, badan. The species of the genus in question are unpretentious, grow well in shady areas, calcareous soils and rocky zones. Used in gardening, folk medicine, cooking (as a tea drink).
Characteristics of culture
The ash tree is represented by perennial herbaceous plants, which form small bushes up to 90 cm in height during the growth process. The foliage is green, complex, pinnate, very reminiscent of ash foliage (which is why it has such a name), consists of small oblong lanceolate leaves. The foliage is pubescent over the entire surface. When rubbed, the foliage gives off a pleasant lemon scent. Flowers, fruits and shoots are endowed with similar properties.
The flowers of the ash tree are quite large, 2.5-3 cm in diameter, they can be white, pink, lilac with purple or reddish veins. The flowers are composed of five sepals and five petals. Flowers are collected in long clusters (10-15 cm). Flowering occurs in early to mid June and lasts 1, 5-2 months. The fruits are represented by five-celled capsules bearing black seeds. When ripe, the fruit cracks, and the seeds are self-sown. For this reason, it is important to monitor the plants and ensure timely thinning.
Growing features
The ash tree is propagated mainly by the seed method. Seeds are sown directly into open ground. It is advisable to sow in the fall. For the winter, crops are covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves or sawdust for insulation. The first shoots will manifest themselves with the onset of warmth and warming of the soil. It is better to thin out the seedlings, leaving a distance of 15-20 cm between them. A smaller distance will have a negative effect on the development of bushes and flowering.
Less often, the ash tree is propagated vegetatively, to be more precise, by dividing the bush. The division is carried out in early spring, but preferably in the fall. In summer, vegetative reproduction is not recommended, the delenki are unlikely to take root in a new place due to the heat. Delenki are planted at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other. They are systematically watered and weeds removed. When planting in autumn, the delenki are covered.
Cutting also takes place, although this method is rarely used. Cuttings are cut about 12-15 cm long in early spring.. The cut, which is placed in the substrate, is first treated with growth stimulants. It is preferable to plant cuttings for rooting in greenhouses or under plastic containers. This manipulation will speed up the rooting process.
It is worth noting that all work with ash trees must be carried out exclusively with gloves. This aspect is due to the fact that the plant contains poisonous oils, which, when in contact with the skin or mucous membranes, cause burns, which eventually turn into painful blisters. Subsequently, the blisters burst, and the wound left after them heals for a very long time. For the same reason, plants should not be planted in areas where small children spend their leisure time.
Features of care and location
It is preferable to plant ash trees in sunny and semi-shaded areas with diffused light, for example, under the crowns of trees with an openwork crown. Soils, in turn, are preferred light, air and water permeable, closely lying groundwater is highly undesirable. The nutritional value of the soil does not really matter, the plant feels great even on scanty soils, although it will bloom more luxuriantly on rich ones.
Culture care is not difficult at all. The main thing is to systematically water the plants, avoiding waterlogging, otherwise the roots will begin to rot. In general, ash is highly resistant to prolonged drought. Top dressing is welcome. Complex mineral fertilizers should be applied twice a season - in early spring and before flowering. No organic required. Ash tree care also includes loosening the soil and removing weeds. The last manipulation can be avoided by mulching
