A clump-forming, aromatic perennial, 40-90 cm (16-36 in) tall, with pinnate leaves, made up of lance-shaped leaflets, and tall racemes of white flowers.
History and traditions
It is called “burning bush” because the whole plant is rich in volatile oil, which can allegedly be set alight as it evaporates, leaving the foliage intact and undamaged. It has a similar lemony, balsamic scent to that of Origanum dictamnus, or dittany of Crete, and both plants are probably named after Mount Dicte in Crete. According to Mrs. Grieve (A Modern Herbal, 1931), Dictamnus albus was an ingredient of a number of exotic pharmaceutical preparations available in the early decades of the 20th century, including “Solomon’s Opiate”, “Guttéte Powder”, “Balm of Fioraventi” and “Hyacinth Mixture”.
Growth
Dittany grows in any well-drained to dry soil in full sun or partial shade. Propagated by seed sown in late summer, in containers and over-wintered in a cold frame. It does not transplant well and is not easy to establish from division.
Uses
Medicinal
It was once prescribed for nervous complaints and feverish illnesses, but does not seem to be widely used in Western herbal medicine today. The root bark of a similar species is used in Chinese medicine for its cooling, antibacterial properties.
Horticultural
The chief use of this herb today is as an aromatic ornamental in the border or herb garden.
