Fraxinus ornus, flowering ash, manna ash
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Fraxinus ornus

flowering ash, manna ash

OleaceaeEurope, Asia

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height25–65 feet (7.5–20 m)
Width20–40 feet (6–12 m)
Maturity20 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (moderate)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Fraxinus ornus, commonly called flowering ash or manna ash, is a medium-sized deciduous tree in the family Oleaceae native to southern Europe and southwestern Asia — the only ash species routinely cultivated primarily for its ornamental flowers. In May and early June, the tree produces spectacular, large, creamy-white, fragrant panicles 3–5 inches (7–12 cm) long — composed of strap-shaped petals in four narrow lobes — covering the canopy in a frothy, cloud-like mass as the new leaves emerge. The opposite, pinnately compound leaves carry 7–9 leaflets that emerge with a bronze-purple tinge, mature to dark green in summer, and turn yellow to reddish-purple in autumn. Trees reach 40–65 feet (12–20 m) at maturity but are typically seen at 25–40 feet (7.5–12 m) in cultivation. Gray, smooth bark remains attractive on young trees, becoming slightly furrowed with age. The common name manna ash refers to the sweet, dried sap historically harvested from bark incisions on trees grown in Sicily and Calabria, used medicinally as a gentle laxative. Unlike most other ash species, F. ornus has not been significantly affected by emerald ash borer in trials to date, and its flowering habit gives it particular ornamental distinction.

Native Range

Native to dry rocky hillsides, scrub oak woodland margins, and mixed deciduous forest at low to mid elevations from southern Europe (southern France, Italy, the Balkans, Greece) east through Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and the Caucasus to Iran. Grows in well-drained, often calcareous soils in warm, dry-summer climates. Not native to North America.

Suggested Uses

Flowering ash is among the most ornamentally distinct medium to large deciduous trees available for Pacific Northwest gardens and streetscapes — the only commonly grown ash that produces showy, fragrant spring flowers. Outstanding as a street tree, park specimen, and larger residential garden specimen where its spring flowering, summer shade, and autumn color can be appreciated at close range. A useful alternative to North American ash species in landscape contexts where emerald ash borer concerns arise. Good companion for spring-flowering shrubs: Syringa, Viburnum, Prunus, and Styrax. A Great Plant Pick for Pacific Northwest gardens.

How to Identify

Flowering ash is identified in spring by its large, showy panicles 3–5 inches (7–12 cm) long of creamy-white, fragrant flowers with four narrow strap-shaped petals, produced as the new leaves emerge in May — unique among cultivated ash species. The opposite, pinnately compound leaves with 7–9 broadly lanceolate, sharply serrated leaflets emerge with bronze-purple tinting. Bark is smooth and gray on young trees. Distinguished from other cultivated ash species by its conspicuous, fragrant, petal-bearing spring flowers — all other commonly grown ash species produce inconspicuous, petal-less flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height25' - 65'
Width/Spread20' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Flowering ash blooms in late spring, typically May through early June in Pacific Northwest gardens. The large, creamy-white, fragrant panicles 3–5 inches (7–12 cm) long appear simultaneously with the emerging leaves over two to three weeks, covering the crown in a spectacular frothy display. The fragrance is detectable at a distance on warm days. After flowering, clusters of narrow winged samaras develop and persist into autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Creamy-white; large fragrant panicles 3–5 inches (7–12 cm) with four narrow strap-shaped petals; produced with emerging leaves

Foliage Description

Opposite, pinnately compound; 7–9 broadly lanceolate, sharply serrated leaflets; bronze-purple emerging, maturing to dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandchalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15–25 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained, moderately fertile soil — flowering ash tolerates chalk, clay, loam, and sand provided drainage is adequate. In Pacific Northwest gardens it performs well in a wide range of soils and, once established, demonstrates good drought tolerance. Water regularly during the first two to three years; thereafter largely self-sufficient. Hardy and adaptable to urban conditions including air pollution and compacted soils. No significant pest or disease problems in the Pacific Northwest. Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) — consult current Pacific Northwest extension guidance as the pest's range expands westward.

Pruning

Prune for structural form in the first five to ten years to establish a strong central leader and well-spaced scaffold branches, in late winter (February–March) while dormant. Established trees require minimal pruning. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed. Avoid pruning in late spring through summer.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic