Fraxinus angustifolia
narrow-leaved ash
Southern Europe, northwest Africa, southwest Asia
Overview
Fraxinus angustifolia is a deciduous tree reaching 65-100 feet (20-30 m) tall with a domed to oval crown and grey, finely fissured bark. The pinnate leaves are 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) long with 7-13 narrow, lance-shaped leaflets 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, more slender than those of common ash F. excelsior. Leaf buds are brown rather than the black buds of F. excelsior, a reliable winter distinction. Petal-less flowers open in clusters before the leaves in spring and are wind-pollinated. Female flowers ripen to winged seeds, called samaras, 1-1.6 inches (25-40 mm) long that hang in bunches into winter. The tree is native to southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia, growing in river valleys, floodplains, and damp woodland where it tolerates seasonal flooding. It withstands heat and drought once established and is planted as a street and parkland tree well beyond its native range. Several forms are grown, including ssp. oxycarpa spp. and the claret-leaved cultivar 'Raywood', whose foliage turns red-purple in autumn. The species is susceptible to ash dieback caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and to emerald ash borer, both of which can kill mature trees.
Native Range
Native to southern and central Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. It grows along rivers and on floodplains, tolerating periodic flooding.Suggested Uses
Planted as a street, avenue, and parkland tree in warm-temperate climates, and used in floodplain and riverbank restoration. The cultivar 'Raywood' is grown for autumn colour in parks and large gardens. The timber is used for tool handles and firewood.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height65' - 100'
Width/Spread30' - 50'
Bloom Information
Petal-less purplish flowers open in spring before the leaves emerge, in dense clusters along the twigs. The flowers are wind-pollinated and last one to two weeks. Trees may carry male, female, or bisexual flowers, and flowering varies from year to year.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight