tree

European Ash

Fraxinus excelsior

 

 
European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) at Sherwood Nurseries

European Ash foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) at Sherwood Nurseries

European Ash

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  70 feet

Spread:  60 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  5a

Other Names:  Common Ash

Description:

A beautiful shade tree of European origin, not nearly as common in North America; shapely rounded habit of growth and no appreciable fall color; can grow quite large, best for larger properties

Ornamental Features

European Ash has dark green deciduous foliage on a tree with a round habit of growth. The compound leaves do not develop any appreciable fall colour.

Landscape Attributes

European Ash is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Insects

European Ash is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Shade

Planting & Growing

European Ash will grow to be about 70 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 60 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 90 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Shade 
Applications
Ornamental Features