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Description
Fraxinus Excelsior, commonly known as the European ash tree, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is a large and tall tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height and has a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. The bark is dark grey, smooth, and develops diamond-shaped fissures as it ages. The leaves are compound, with 5-11 leaflets that are ovate-lanceolate in shape and have serrated edges. The flowers are purplish and appear in early spring before the leaves, and the fruit is a samara that is up to 7 cm long and contains a single seed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Fraxinus |
Appearance
The European ash tree is a large and tall tree with a conical shape and a spreading canopy. The bark is dark grey, smooth, and develops diamond-shaped fissures as it ages. The leaves are compound, with 5-11 leaflets that are ovate-lanceolate in shape and have serrated edges. The leaves are dark green in color and turn yellow in the fall before they drop. The flowers are purplish and appear in early spring before the leaves, and the fruit is a samara that is up to 7 cm long and contains a single seed.
Care Guide
Fraxinus Excelsior is a hardy tree that requires minimal care once established. Here are some tips on how to care for this tree:
- Water: The tree should be watered regularly during the first year after planting to establish a strong root system. After that, it can tolerate dry conditions and does not require regular watering.
- Fertilization: The tree does not require regular fertilization, but adding compost or organic matter to the soil can improve its growth.
- Soil: The tree can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The tree can grow in full sun to partial shade, but it prefers full sun for optimal growth.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA Zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The European ash tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Ash dieback: This fungal disease can cause leaf loss and dieback of branches, and it can eventually kill the tree.
- Emerald ash borer: This invasive beetle can kill ash trees by boring into the bark and disrupting the tree’s vascular system.
- Ash yellows: This bacterial disease can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth.
- Ash leaf curl: This viral disease can cause distortion and curling of the leaves.
Habitat
The European ash tree is native to Europe and parts of Asia, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, and riverbanks. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of soil types and climatic conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Fraxinus Excelsior be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow the tree in a container, it is not recommended, as the tree can grow very large and requires a lot of space for its roots to spread.
Q: Is Fraxinus Excelsior a fast-growing tree?
A: The tree is moderately fast-growing, and it can grow up to 2 feet per year under optimal conditions.
Q: Does Fraxinus Excelsior produce fruits every year?
A: The tree produces fruits every year, but the amount can vary depending on the weather conditions and the health of the tree.
Q: Can Fraxinus Excelsior tolerate air pollution?
A: The tree is tolerant of air pollution and is often used as a street tree in urban areas.
Related Plants
- Fraxinus Americana (White Ash)
- Fraxinus Pennsylvanica (Green Ash)
- Fraxinus Velutina (Arizona Ash)
- Fraxinus Chinensis (Chinese Ash)
References
- “Fraxinus excelsior.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276506
- “European ash.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10229/i-fraxinus-excelsior-i/details
- “Fraxinus excelsior (European ash).” CABI. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/23833
