European Ash
(Common Ash)
Fraxinus Excelsior
A large, shade tree native to Europe that is rarely planted in New Brunswick. Seeds provide valuable food for local wildlife. Currently at risk from the introduced Emerald Ash Borer insect whose larvae girdles and kills every Ash species. Planted in isolation away from large stands of Ash, will improve its chances of escaping the insect. Male and female flowers usually occur on separate trees and are wind pollinated though bees are still attracted to the flowers to collect pollen. Only trees with female flowers will produce seeds.
Additional information
Foliage | Deciduous |
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Locale | Native to Europe |
Height | Large (60-100ft) |
Width | Wide |
Form | Round |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Longevity | Long (over 100 years) |
Hardiness Zones * | 5 |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun (over 6 hrs), Partial Sun (4 to 6 hrs) |
Soil Preferences * | Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining |
Soil Tolerances | Clay, Dry, Slightly Alkaline |
Other Tolerances | Road Salt |
Wildlife Value | Bees (flowers), Birds (fruits/seeds), Butterfly Larvae (leaves) |
Human Value | Carpentry (wood) |
Seed Collection | Relatives in UK |
Planting Considerations | Messy Seed Litter |