Velvet Ash
(Fraxinus velutina)
Velvet Ash (Fraxinus velutina)
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CK Kelly
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
CK Kelly
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: CK Kelly | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: CK Kelly | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-05-07T20:29:16Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Fraxinus velutina, commonly known as velvet ash, Arizona ash, or Modesto ash, is a deciduous tree native to riparian zones, desert springs, and moist canyons in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including regions from southern California east to Texas, and from northern Baja California east to Coahuila and Nuevo León. It typically grows to a height of 10 meters with a trunk diameter up to 30 cm. The bark is rough, gray-brown, and fissured, while the shoots are covered with velvety-downy hairs. The tree produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers in early spring and is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees. The velvet ash is particularly noted for its ability to withstand drought conditions once established.
Velvet ash is valued for its adaptability to urban environments, tolerance of air pollution, and its use as a shade tree in arid climates. It is often planted in parks, along streets, and in residential landscapes. This species prefers full sun exposure and can adapt to a range of soil conditions, from slow to medium drainage. While it requires medium amounts of water, mature trees are notably drought-tolerant. Gardeners should be aware of potential issues such as ash borer infestations and fungal diseases like ash yellows, which can affect the health and longevity of the tree.CC BY-SA 4.0
Velvet ash is valued for its adaptability to urban environments, tolerance of air pollution, and its use as a shade tree in arid climates. It is often planted in parks, along streets, and in residential landscapes. This species prefers full sun exposure and can adapt to a range of soil conditions, from slow to medium drainage. While it requires medium amounts of water, mature trees are notably drought-tolerant. Gardeners should be aware of potential issues such as ash borer infestations and fungal diseases like ash yellows, which can affect the health and longevity of the tree.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 30-40 feet
- Width: 20-30 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Riparian zones, desert springs, and moist canyons
Other Names
Common Names: Desert Ash, Velvet Ash, Modesto Ash, Arizona-Esche, Fresno
Scientific Names: , Fraxinus velutina, Fraxinus velutina var. coriacea, Fraxinus velutina var. toumeyi, Fraxinus velutina var. glabra, Fraxinus pennsylvanica subsp. velutina, Fraxinus coriacea, Fraxinus attenuata, Fraxinus velutina var. velutina, Fraxinus toumeyi
GBIF Accepted Name: Fraxinus velutina Torr.