Overview
Fraxinus velutina is a spreading branched trees in the genus Fraxinus, part of the Oleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Fraxinus velutina grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Fraxinus velutina, the velvet ash, Arizona ash or Modesto ash, is a species of Fraxinus native to southwestern North America, in the United States from southern California east to Texas, and in Mexico from northern Baja California east to Coahuila and Nuevo León. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil. Stake when young.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Fraxinus velutina
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Fraxinus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Sand, Loam
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Fraxinus velutina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Fraxinus velutina
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or grafting
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Ash 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
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Fraxinus velutina?
Fraxinus velutina prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Fraxinus velutina need?
Fraxinus velutina is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, sand and loam. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Fraxinus velutina hardy in the UK?
Fraxinus velutina has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Fraxinus velutina?
Propagate by seed or grafting.
More in the Fraxinus genus
- Fraxinusash
- Fraxinus angustifolia 'Monophylla'
- Fraxinus angustifolia 'Pendula'ash 'Pendula'
- Fraxinus angustifolia 'Variegata' (v)
- Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa 'Golden Desert'
- Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. syriacaSyrian ash
- Fraxinus baronianaBaron's ash
- Fraxinus chinensisChinese ash
