This stately, oval-headed, deciduous tree from Europe and Southwest Asia offers good shade in summer, and is also valued as a timber tree. Its glossy, dark green, pinnate leaves have 9 to 13 lance-shaped leaflets with lighter undersides and slightly fuzzy midribs. In autumn the foliage turns a weak yellow, but may simply drop off while still green in warmer regions. Inconspicuous flowers in spring give rise to winged seeds that mature from light green to pale brown. The black winter buds contrast with the tree’s smooth light brown twigs and gray-barked trunk.
Full sun will allow this tree to develop its best form, as will neutral to alkaline, fertile soil with good drainage. It is a fast-growing, handsome large shade tree for parks or large landscapes. Borers are a primary health concern, particularly the emerald ash borer. (info source: Learn2Grow.com)
Genus - Fraxinus
Species - Excelsior
Common name - European Ash
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 4 - 7
Height - 80'-100' / 24 - 30 m
Spread - 60'-80' / 18 - 24 m
Plant type - Tree
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Neutral. alkaline
Soil type - Clay, loam, sand, well drained
Water requirements - Drought tolerant, average water
Landscape uses - Feature Plant, Shade Trees, Street Trees
Germination rate - 75%
Bloom season - Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Dark Green / Green, Purple, Light Green
Useful Info | |
Germination | 1. Remove form the ziplock bag and keep the seeds in an paper envelope in the freezer till ready to plant or for the winter. This process, called dry cold stratification, mimics weather conditions outdoors and is necessary for ash seed germination. 2. Remove the seeds from the refrigerator in mid-April. Fill a seed tray or flat with soilless potting mix and sow the ash seeds on top. Cover with an additional 1/2 inch of potting mix and moisten thoroughly. 3. Set the flat in a sunny, warm room, keeping it moist for the next two weeks. Seeds will germinate and sprout. Thin the seedlings to 6 inches apart. Transplant them into individual pots full of moist potting soil when they reach heights of 2 inches. (source: ehow.com) |