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Description
Fraxinus Quadrangulata, commonly known as the blue ash, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the olive family (Oleaceae). It is native to the eastern and central regions of North America and is known for its distinctive blue-gray bark. The tree can grow up to 80 feet tall and has a spread of 50 feet. It is a slow-growing tree that can live for up to 200 years.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Fraxinus |
Appearance
The blue ash has compound leaves with five to nine serrated leaflets that are 3 to 6 inches long. The leaves are dark green on the top and lighter on the bottom. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers in the spring that are followed by winged seeds. The bark of the blue ash is the most distinctive feature, as it has a diamond-shaped pattern that is visible even on young trees. The bark is gray when young but turns a distinctive blue-gray as the tree ages.
Care Guide
The blue ash is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, from acidic to alkaline. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade. The tree requires regular watering during its first few years of growth, but it can tolerate drought once established. Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The blue ash is hardy to zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The blue ash is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to ash yellows, a disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves. The disease is caused by a phytoplasma and is spread by leafhoppers. There is no cure for ash yellows, and infected trees should be removed to prevent the disease from spreading. The tree can also be affected by emerald ash borer, a beetle that can kill the tree within a few years. The beetle is native to Asia and was first detected in North America in 2002.
Habitat
The blue ash is native to the eastern and central regions of North America, from New York to Texas. It grows in a variety of habitats, including bottomlands, upland woods, and savannas. The tree is often found in association with other hardwoods, such as oak and hickory.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the blue ash a good shade tree?
A: Yes, the blue ash is an excellent shade tree. It has a broad, spreading canopy that provides ample shade.
Q: How fast does the blue ash grow?
A: The blue ash is a slow-growing tree that can take several years to reach maturity. However, it is a long-lived tree that can live for up to 200 years.
Q: Can the blue ash be grown in containers?
A: No, the blue ash is not suited for container growing. It requires a deep root system and can grow up to 80 feet tall.
Q: Is the blue ash endangered?
A: The blue ash is not currently listed as endangered, but it is considered a threatened species in some states due to habitat loss and overharvesting.
Related Plants
- Fraxinus Americana
- Fraxinus Pennsylvanica
- Fraxinus Velutina
- Fraxinus Excelsior
References
- “Fraxinus Quadrangulata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l410.
- “Blue Ash.” Arbor Day Foundation, 2021, www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=824.
- “Fraxinus Quadrangulata.” USDA Forest Service, 2021, www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/fraqua/all.html.
