Blue Ash
Fraxinus quadrangulata
Family: Oleaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Green. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring.Form: Oval, Rounded.
Fraxinus quadrangulata is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. 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): 20
Where it is found
Dry or moist rich woods, especially on limestone hills.
Central N. America - Ontario to Alabama and Kansas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
A blue dye is obtained from the inner bark. The bark is ground into a powder and then steeped in water in order to obtain the dye. Wood - hard, heavy, close-grained, durable, but not strong and is somewhat brittle. It weighs 47lb per cubic foot. The wood is largely used for flooring, the interior finishes of houses, construction etc.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Aggressive surface roots possible, Specimen, Street tree. 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 fast-growing tree in the wild, where it lives 125 - 150 years. Most species in this genus are dioecious but this species is said to be hermaphrodite. 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: 4-8
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist