About
Deciduous large shrub or small tree about 6m in height, with slender smooth branches and dark green leaves 18cm long, composed of up to 9 leaflets. Abundant, large, aromatic white flowers, each with four long petals, are produced in panicles, as the leaves unfurl in spring. Reddish-brown winter buds.
About the genus
Fraxinus are medium-sized to large, mostly deciduous trees with attractive pinnate leaves, sometimes conspicuous flowers and autumn colour, and distinctive winged fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationExcellent for woodland and coastal gardens where there is moist but well-drained alkaline or neutral soil and full sun. See tree cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or grafting
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceAsh dieback has recently been found in the UK. Restrictions have been put in place (from 29 October 2012) regarding both the importation of ash from abroad and the movement of ash within the UK. May also be susceptible to honey fungus