How to Grow Fraxinus Angustifolia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Fraxinus angustifolia is a species of ash tree native to central and southern Europe, north Africa and southwestern Asia. It has been introduced to many other areas, including Australia, New Zealand, North America and South America.

How to Grow Fraxinus Angustifolia - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • ash tree
  • European ash
  • common ash
  • narrow-leaved ash
  • black ash

Basic info

  • Fraxinus angustifolia is a species of flowering plant in the olive family, native to the Iberian Peninsula.
  • It is a small to medium-sized tree, growing to 10–20 m tall.
  • The leaves are opposite, ovate to lanceolate, 6–12 cm long and 2–6 cm broad, with a sharply pointed apex.
  • The flowers are borne in panicles of 10–20 flowers, each flower with five petals and five stamens.
  • The fruit is a samara, 2–3 cm long and 1 cm broad, with a wingspan of 3–4 cm.
  • Fraxinus angustifolia is cultivated as an ornamental tree, for use in hedges and as a street tree.
  • It is also used as a source of fuelwood.
  • The wood is hard and strong, and is used for timber and firewood.
  • Fraxinus angustifolia is a host plant for the larvae of several moth species, including the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar).
  • It is also a food plant for the larvae of the green lacewing (Chrysopa perla).

Growing Steps

  1. For fraxinus angustifolia, first step is to find a good location. It prefers full sun, but can tolerant partial sun. It also need well-drained soil.
  2. The second step is to prepare the planting hole. It should be twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
  3. Third step is to remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots.
  4. Fourth step is to place the plant in the planting hole.
  5. Fifth step is to fill the planting hole with soil and pack it lightly.
  6. Sixth step is to water the plant deeply.
  7. Seventh step is to apply a layer of mulch.
  8. Eighth step is to fertilize the plant regularly.
  9. Ninth step is to monitor the plant for pests and diseases.
  10. Tenth step is to prune the plant as needed.

Related plant:
Fraxinus

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Fraxinus angustifolia can grow in almost any soil type as long as it is well-drained. This plant is not drought-tolerant, so it will need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Fraxinus angustifolia can also tolerate occasional flooding and wet soils.

Light condition

Just like other members of the Ash family, Fraxinus angustifolia requires full sun to thrive. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 40 feet tall in just a few years. Because it is such a vigorous grower, it is often used as a shade tree or street tree. It is also a popular choice for bonsai.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for planting Fraxinus angustifolia is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This tree is a native of Europe and can tolerate a range of different climates and soil types. However, it prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the tree may go into shock and die.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. The plant does not like to be in overly wet or dry conditions. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant requires little to no fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer will cause the roots to become weak and unable to hold the plant upright. The best way to determine if your plant needs fertilizer is to check the leaves. If the leaves are pale and have lost their color, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough nutrients.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important cultural practice for Ash trees. Proper pruning will result in a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing tree. Ash trees are best pruned in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

The Propagation

Propagation of Fraxinus angustifolia is best done through rooting of cuttings taken from the tips of young shoots in late spring. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have 2-3 nodes. Cut just below a node and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a moist, well-drained rooting mix. Place the cuttings under a misting system or in a propagator at a temperature of 18-21°C. Rooting should take place within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have developed, pot the cuttings up into individual pots and grow on in a well-lit position.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate during the growing season but the plant can grow rapidly under ideal conditions. The average height of the plant is around 30 feet with a spread of around 20 feet. Fraxinus angustifolia can grow in a variety of soils but prefers well-drained, moist soils.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are Sphaeropsis tip blight, wood rots, and canker. Sphaeropsis tip blight is the most common problem and is caused by the fungus Sphaeropsis sapinea. This fungus affects the new growth of the plant, causing the tips of the leaves to turn brown and die. The fungus can also cause the stems to become brittle and break. Wood rots are caused by several different fungi, including Laetiporus sulphureus and Phellinus igniarius. These fungi cause the wood to decay, making it weak and susceptible to breakage. Canker is caused by the fungus Nectria cinnabarina. This fungus attacks the bark of the plant, causing it to become cracked and flaky.

List to Know

  • If growing fraxinus angustifolia from seed, start the seeds indoors in a sterile potting mix about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
  • Sow the seeds on the surface of the potting mix and lightly cover with vermiculite.
  • Place the pots in a warm, bright location and keep the potting mix moist but not wet.
  • Once the seeds have germinated, transplant the seedlings into individual pots filled with a well-drained potting mix.
  • Grow the seedlings under bright light and keep the potting mix evenly moist.
  • When the seedlings are 6-8 inches tall, transplant them into the garden in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  • Space the plants 12-15 inches apart.
  • Water the plants regularly so the soil stays evenly moist.
  • Fertilize the

You May Like

  • Fraxinus albicans
  • Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood'
  • Fraxinus angustifolia 'Variegata'
  • Fraxinus atkinsiana
  • Fraxinus biltmoreana
  • Fraxinus binziana
  • Fraxinus blakei
  • Fraxinus celebica
  • Fraxinus cuspidata
  • Fraxinus dimorpha

Source:
Fraxinus angustifolia ‘Raywood’, Raywood ash | Trees of …
Fraxinus angustifolia (Narrow-leafed Ash) - landscapeplants.aub.edu…
Fraxinus angustifolia; Narrow-leaved Ash - calphotos.berkeley.edu

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category