Fraxinus
( FRAX - in - us )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Ash, this genus of deciduous and evergreen trees need full sun and are useful as lawn, shade, street, and patio trees. Most species tolerate hot summers and cool winters and varying degrees of soil quality and type. Flowers are followed by profuse clusters of winged fruit that can sometimes create litter problems under trees.
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Fraxinus Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Fraxinus trees vary depending on the species. For more information, read the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Fraxinus americana (White Ash) This deciduous tree grows well in zones 1-11 and 14-17 and is native to the eastern United States. It reaches 80 feet tall or more, and up to 50 feet wide. Leaves are dark green and turn purple in cooler fall temperatures. Hybrid variety 'Northern Treasure' is vigorous and disease resistant, reaching 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Leaves are glossy green and turn a pale orange-yellow color in fall. |
Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood' (Fraxinus oxycarpa 'Raywood') (Raywood Ash, Claret Ash) This deciduous species grows well in zones 2b-9 and 12-24 and is native to the Mediterranean. Leaves are small, dark green and turn wine red in fall, and trees grow quickly to reach 45-60 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide. This species produces no seeds, needs moderate water, and is prone to branch dieback especially when stressed by drought conditions. |
Fraxinus 'Fan West' Best in zones 2-14, this deciduous species of Ash is seedless; a hybrid between Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Fraxinus velutina 'Modesto'. Leaves are light orange green, and these trees reach about 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Tolerates cold, desert heat, and wind. Best with regular water but can tolerate some drought. |
Fraxinus ornus (Flowering Ash, Manna Ash) Deciduous, this species is best in zones 3-9 and 14-27, and is native to southern Europe and Asia Minor. It reaches 40-50 feet tall quickly, and spreads to 20-30 feet. Densely foliaged that turns lavender and yellow in fall. In spring, fragrant and fluffy branching clusters emerge in white to green-white, and are followed by seed clusters. Needs moderate water. Variety 'Urban Bouquet' blooms heavily but does not set seed. |
Fraxinus uhdei (Evergreen Ash, Shamel Ash) This species is evergreen to semi-evergreen and grows well in zones 9 and 12-24. These Ashes are native to Mexico and love low-elevation desert landscapes. Grows quickly to 25-30 feet tall and 15 feet wide in about 10 years, and eventually reaches 70-80 feet tall and 60 feet wide. Leaves are glossy and dark green, and can burn in hot, windy climates. Will lose leaves in cooler climates. Best with regular water and occasional deep soakings. Commonly grown varieties are outlined below. |
Fraxinus uhdei 'Majestic Beauty'
Larger leaves and more reliably evergreen than the species. |
Fraxinus uhdei 'Sexton'
Compact tree with a rounded crown with larger, deeper green leaves than the species. |
Fraxinus uhdei 'Tomlinson'
Reaches 10-15 feet in 10 years, with a dense, upright habit and leathery, wavy leaves. |
Fraxinus velutina (Arizona Ash) This species of Ash does well in zones 3b-24 and is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is cold hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, and can also take hot and dry weather. Reaches 30-50 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide with an open form. Gray-green, velvety leaves turn bright yellow in autumn. Male and female flowers bloom on separate trees. This species needs regular water, and will attract birds to your garden. Commonly grown varieties are pictured and described below. |
Fraxinus velutina 'Berrinda'
Best in zones 3-24, this variety is tough and cold-hardy. This tree is native to New Mexico, and has an upright form to 35 feet tall and just as wide. |
Fraxinus velutina 'Bonita'
Best in zones 8-24, this variety is great in the Southwestern United States and reaches 30-35 feet tall and is slightly more broad. Fall color is bright yellow and long-lasting. |
Fraxinus velutina 'Modesto' (Modesto Ash)
Best in zones 3-24, this variety is native to Modesto, California and reaches 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide. It is a vigorous, fast grower with medium green foliage and bright yellow fall color. Resistant to Oak Root Fungus, but susceptible to many other diseases. |
Fraxinus velutina 'Rio Grande' (Fan-Tex Ash)
Best in zones 8-24, this variety thrives in warm, dry climates and alkaline soils. It has large, dark green foliage that turns a golden-yellow hue in autumn. Resistant to windburn. |
Caring for and pruning Fraxinus Trees
Propagation
Male and female flowers bloom on separate trees in some species, but in others they bloom on the same tree.
Problems and Pests
Borers
Ash Whitefly
Ash Whitefly
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 327 - 328, Fraxinus (Ash)
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