Desert Ash Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Fraxinus oxycarpa
- Phonetic Spelling
- FRAK-si-nus an-gus-tee-FOH-lee-uh oks-ee-KAR-puh
- Description
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Desert Ash is a small, deciduous, flowering tree in the olive family that is drought tolerant and makes an excellent street tree. In nature, it is native to the countries surrounding the Mediterranean and is often found in dry, rocky sites in pine or mixed forests. It is often planted as an ornamental, but it also makes a good shade tree. However, the plant does suffer a little from very brittle branches.
Desert Ash It grows best in full sun in dry of moist soil, but does not do well in shade. The plant tolerates strong winds and atmospheric pollution, but not maritime exposure.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:
Very resistant to insect and disease problems. Vigorous root growth can lead to maintenance problems, especially in urban areas.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Raywood'
- 'Raywood'
- 'Raywood'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Raywood'
- 'Raywood'
- 'Raywood'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Fraxinus
- Species:
- angustifolia
- Family:
- Oleaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southern Europe, Norhtwest Africa
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Birds use the tree for cover and nest sites.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Samara
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Flowers:
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Winter
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Tiny flowers bloom late winter to early spring.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves consist of 3 to 9 slender leaflets with white hairs on the lower half of the midribs.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Design Feature:
- Shade Tree
- Small Tree
- Street Tree
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Diseases
- Drought
- Insect Pests
- Pollution
- Urban Conditions
- Wind
