Contents
Description
Fraxinus Profunda, also known as the pumpkin ash, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. It can grow up to 60 feet tall and has a spread of up to 40 feet. The pumpkin ash is known for its pumpkin-shaped leaves, which are dark green and glossy.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Fraxinus |
Appearance
The pumpkin ash has a tall, straight trunk with a narrow crown. The bark is grayish-brown and has shallow furrows. The leaves are compound and typically have seven leaflets, although they can have as few as five or as many as nine. The leaflets are oval-shaped and have serrated edges. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow before dropping.
Care Guide
The pumpkin ash prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. It can tolerate some shade but will not do well in full shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Water the pumpkin ash deeply once a week, and fertilize it in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the fall, as this can encourage new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
The pumpkin ash is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including ash yellows, ash anthracnose, and ash rust. It is also vulnerable to the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that can kill ash trees. To prevent pest and disease problems, keep the tree healthy and well-watered, and prune dead or diseased branches promptly.
Habitat
The pumpkin ash is native to the eastern United States, where it grows in swamps, floodplains, and other wetland areas. It is an important food source for wildlife, including birds and mammals.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the pumpkin ash be grown in containers?
A: No, the pumpkin ash is too large to be grown in a container.
Q: Does the pumpkin ash have any medicinal uses?
A: Some Native American tribes used the bark of the pumpkin ash to treat various ailments, including fever and sore throat.
Q: Is the pumpkin ash a good shade tree?
A: Yes, the pumpkin ash can provide excellent shade once it reaches maturity.
Q: How often should I prune my pumpkin ash?
A: Prune dead or diseased branches as needed, but avoid pruning more than a third of the tree’s total foliage in one year.
Related Plants
- Fraxinus Americana
- Fraxinus Excelsior
- Fraxinus Nigra
References
- “Fraxinus Profunda.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k450.
- “Pumpkin Ash.” Arbor Day Foundation. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeGuide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=866.
- “Fraxinus Profunda.” University of Connecticut Plant Database. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://hort.uconn.edu/plants/detail.php?pid=206.
