Arizona Ash, Velvet ash, Modesto Ash, Fantex Ash
Fraxinus velutina

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Green. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded.

Fraxinus velutina is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 12

Where it is found

Along the banks of streams, rivers and moist washes, generally in canyons, to 2000 metres.

South-western N. America - Texas to Nevada and California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

A fairly wind resistant tree, it can be grown as part of a shelterbelt planting. Wood - close-grained, rather soft, not strong, fairly heavy. Used locally to make axe handles and in the manufacture of wagons.

Shelterbelt: Wind resistant plants than can be grown to provide shelter in the garden etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Firewood, Aggressive surface roots possible, Pollard. Prefers a deep loamy soil, even if it is on the heavy side. Most members of this genus are gross feeders and require a rich soil. Plants succeed when growing in exposed positions and also in alkaline soils. They tolerate atmospheric pollution. A polymorphic species. Trees brow best in the E. and S.E. of Britain. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Special Features: North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: The seed is best harvested green - as soon as it is fully developed but before it has fully dried on the tree - and can then be sown immediately in a cold frame. It usually germinates in the spring. Stored seed requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions or a nursery bed in late spring or early summer of the following year. If you have sufficient seed then it is possible to sow it directly into an outdoor seedbed, preferably in the autumn. Grow the seedlings on in the seedbed for 2 years before transplanting either to their permanent positions or to nursery beds.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

F. pennsylvanica velutina.