common ash

Also known as: ache; European ash

A vigorous deciduous tree to 25m, with pale brown bark, dark green, pinnate leaves that turn yellow in autumn, and small deep purple flowers, followed by conspicuous bunches of winged fruits in late summer and autumn and black buds in winter

Scientific classification

Species: common ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Genus: Fraxinus
Family: Oleaceae

Information to be completed
Toxicity: Trees
Plant type: Higher than 12 metres
Height: wider than 8 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Information to be completed
Habit: Autumn · Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

common ash pictures

Distribution of common ash

Distribution map

Europe Caucasus

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Information to be completed

Quick identification of common ash

Information to be completed

common ash care guide

Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced shrub or tree feed once each early spring

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by seed or grafting

Growing

Excellent for woodland and coastal gardens where there is moist but well-drained alkaline or neutral soil and full sun

More growing and care information →

Common pests and diseases

Diseases

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