European Ash

(Fraxinus excelsior)

European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Fraxinus excelsior, commonly known as European Ash, is a large deciduous tree typically growing to 12–18 m (39–59 ft) tall with a trunk up to 2 m (6.6 ft) in diameter, featuring a tall, narrow crown. Native to Europe from the Arctic Circle to Turkey, it thrives in deciduous forests, often alongside rivers and in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. The bark is smooth and pale grey on young trees, becoming thick and vertically fissured with age. The compound leaves are among the last to emerge in spring and are early to fall in autumn, sometimes turning bright yellow. Flowers are borne in short panicles before the leaves and lack petals; the tree is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees, although they can change sex yearly. The fruit is a samara, hanging in bunches through winter, known as ’ash keys’.

European Ash is valued for its longevity and adaptability, often used in urban environments, reforestation, and as an ornamental tree for its attractive form and foliage. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring full sun and medium water, and is tolerant of various soil drainage conditions. However, it is susceptible to ash dieback disease and the emerald ash borer, which can be fatal. It is also known for its quality wood, used in making tools, sports equipment, and furniture.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 70-80 feet
  • Width: 50-60 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

native to Europe from the Arctic Circle to Turkey, it thrives in deciduous forests, often alongside rivers and in fertile, moist, well-drained soils

Other Names

Common Names: Common Ash, Almindelig Ask, Gewöhnliche Esche, Esche, (Lehto)Saarni, Frêne Commun, Frêne D’Europe, Es, 구주물푸레, 구주물푸레나무, Jasen Vysokij

Scientific Names: , Fraxinus excelsior, Fraxinus excelsior var. excelsior, Fraxinus monophylla, Fraxinus excelsior var. monophylla, Fraxinus verrucosa, Fraxinus pendula, Fraxinus excelsior f. aureopendula, Fraxinus excelsior f. pendula, Fraxinus excelsior var. communis

GBIF Accepted Name: Fraxinus excelsior L.