Fraxinus excelsior

Fraxinus excelsior, more commonly known as the European ash, is a perennial deciduous tree native to Caucaus and Europe.  Exquisite dark-green leaves divided into fans of leaflets grow densely along the broad dome-shaped canopy of the European ash.  Petalless male and female flowers appear in clusters, featuring a dark purple color and an exotic arrangement.  A European ash can have both male and female flowers growing at once, but it is much more common to see either all male or all female on one tree.  The European ash can change from having all flowers of one sex to having all flowers of the other from one year to the next.  In autumn, the leaves turn yellow and fall after the first freeze, increasing the visibility of the conspicuous black buds that tip the European ash tree's shoots.  Throughout autumn, the winged-fruits are borne in clusters and spread their seeds widely as they spin towards the ground, drifting away on air currents.  Traditional medicines have been made from the European ash tree's leaves due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  

Planting European ash trees in a location with abundant unobscured sunlight is essential, as they struggle to develop in shaded areas.  Deep, loamy, well-draining soil is ideal for growing European ash, though they are capable of adapting to most soil types.  When still young, European ash trees will require frequent shallow waterings.  As the tree matures and becomes established, it should no longer require watering except during extended heat spells.  Cool, damp climates are ideal for European ash trees, and they generally do not grow well outside of them.  Prune during the winter dormancy with sterilized tools, and take particular care to remove any dead or damaged branches.  European ash trees are very susceptible to fungal infections and harmful insect infestations, so monitor the health of your tree to identify them before they become untreatable.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.