Broadleaf Deciduous Trees
Fraxinus velutina
Velvet Ash
Oleaceae
SW United States and N Mexico (CA, AZ, NM, TX, UT, CO; streams/washes in arid landscapes, 2,000-7,000 ft)
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height30-50 feet (9-15 m)
Width25-40 feet (7.5-12 m)
Maturity20 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
6 - 9Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate
Overview
Fraxinus velutina is a medium, upright to broadly rounded, deciduous tree reaching 30–50 feet (9–15 m) tall with a spread of 25–40 feet (7.5–12 m). This is the ash of the arid American Southwest—smaller, more drought-tolerant, and more heat-adapted than the eastern F. americana. The common name refers to the velvety pubescence (soft hairs) on the young twigs and leaf undersides. The leaves are pinnately compound with 3–7 leaflets (fewer than eastern ashes), each 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) long, narrower and lighter green than F. americana. The fall color is bright yellow. The bark is gray and furrowed. Growth rate is moderate to fast—12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year. Dioecious. Short-lived compared to eastern ashes—typically 40–60 years. CRITICAL: susceptible to emerald ash borer. Hardy to zone 6.
Native Range
Fraxinus velutina is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Colorado, Sonora, Chihuahua), along streams, washes, and canyon bottoms in arid and semi-arid landscapes from 2,000 to 7,000 feet (600–2,100 m).Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade tree in arid and semi-arid landscapes where eastern ashes cannot survive—the Southwest, intermountain West, and Mediterranean-climate regions. The drought and heat tolerance, rapid establishment, and bright yellow fall color are the selection criteria. Functions in parks, residential lots, and streets in dry climates. Not recommended where EAB is present. Not suitable for wet soils or cold zones below 6. The relatively short lifespan (40–60 years) should be factored into long-term planting plans.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread25' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Colors
Flower Colors
green
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
yellow
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~2 weeksJ
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Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Light green with velvety pubescent undersides; bright yellow fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Requires 8-12 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 Range6.0 - 8.5(Alkaline)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandclay
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Low
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
15-20 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Tolerates heat, drought, and alkaline soils—the most drought- and heat-tolerant ash in this collection. Hardy to zone 6. Moderate to fast growth when young. Requires irrigation in areas without natural water table access. Short-lived (40–60 years). CRITICAL: susceptible to emerald ash borer. May be brittle in wind.Pruning
Prune in late winter. Develop a strong central leader when young—F. velutina tends toward multiple leaders and narrow crotches more than eastern ashes. Structural pruning is important. Remove crossing branches and competing leaders early.Pruning Schedule
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winterearly spring