Narrow-Leaved Ash
Fraxinus angustifolia

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

Fraxinus angustifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 12 m (39ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 25

Where it is found

Mostly dryish rocky places in macchie, deciduous scrub or in pine and mixed forest, 650 - 1700 metres in Turkey.

S. Europe, N. Africa, W. Asia,

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The fruit is used as a condiment.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

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. Quite cold-hardy when dormant, 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. This species is closely related to F. excelsior. A very ornamental tree, there are several named forms, selected for their ornamental value. This species might be dioecious, in which case male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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: 5-9

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

F. rotundifolia. Mill. F. veltheimii.