Narrow-leaf Ash
fraxinus angustifolia
Also known as: ["European Ash","Narrow-leaved Ash"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Europe and Asia, known for its narrow leaves and hardy nature.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Genus: | Fraxinus |
| Botanical Name: | Fraxinus angustifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various soil types
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–10 to 40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning on young trees.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a container plant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; place near south-facing window for optimal light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, amend with organic matter, check pH periodically, avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 6–9; tolerates temperatures between -10°C to 40°C; prefers moderate temperatures in spring and fall.
Monitor temperature changes, protect from frost, adjust watering in extreme heat or cold.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize in spring before new growth, avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup, flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots to develop.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for softwood cuttings; late autumn to early winter for hardwood cuttings.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (20–25°C) for optimal rooting.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water for softwood cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for better success rates.
Timeline
Softwood cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; hardwood cuttings may take 2–3 months to root and establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk or main branch; heading cuts to shorten branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, make clean cuts, avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; container-grown plants may need repotting more frequently.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, trim roots if needed, water after repotting, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold, stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown, growth slows, and branches may die back if temperatures drop below tolerance range.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots, protect from cold winds, move container plants indoors or to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, mist leaves in the morning to cool the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild toxicity if they ingest parts of Fraxinus angustifolia, particularly the seeds and leaves. Symptoms are typically gastrointestinal in nature and can be managed with supportive care.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Fraxinus angustifolia seeds and leaves can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxicity is generally not severe but can cause discomfort and require veterinary attention if symptoms persist.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicFraxinus angustifolia contains toxic compounds, particularly in its seeds and leaves, which can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms upon ingestion. The plant's toxic effects are generally not life-threatening but can be uncomfortable.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Fraxinus angustifolia suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is relatively tolerant of urban conditions and pollution.
Q: Does this tree attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it provides food and habitat for various birds and insects.
Q: How often should it be watered?
A: Water moderately, especially during dry periods, but it is drought-tolerant once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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