Fraxinus excelsior Ash (Oleaceae) Deciduous tree

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Fraxinus excelsior
Ash
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Fraxinus excelsior plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Oleaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Ash.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Fraxinus excelsior
Common Name:  Ash
Family:  Oleaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Poisonous to ruminants[76], it has also caused dermatitis in some people[76].

Mature Height:  30   Mature Width:  20

Habitat:  Forming woods on calcareous soils in the wetter parts of Britain, also in oakwoods, scrub, hedges etc[17]. It is also often found on acid soils[17].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a deep loamy soil, even if it is on the heavy side[1, 200]. Most members of this genus are gross feeders and require a rich soil[11, 200]. Plants can succeed in very exposed positions, including maritime exposure, though they can become wind-shaped[49]. Thrives in alkaline soils[11] but not in shallow soils over chalk. Tolerates a pH as low as 4.5, but prefers a base-rich soil above 5.5[186]. Trees are surprisingly tolerant of seasonally water-logged soils[186]. Dislikes dryness at the roots, especially in late spring[186]. Very intolerant of shade, young plants fail to develop properly in such a position and often die. Although the dormant plant is very cold-hardy, the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. A fast growing tree, it is sometimes cultivated for its valuable timber. Very tolerant of cutting, ash was also at one time frequently coppiced for its wood[186]. However, modern use of plastics have reduced its economic values. There are many named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[11]. Trees have a light canopy and cast little shade[186]. A food plant for many insect species, there are 41 associated insect species[24, 30]. Trees can be male, female, monoecious or hermaphrodite, they can also change sex from year to year[11]. Trees take 30 - 40 years to flower from seed[186]. The flowers are produced on one-year old wood[7]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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