Fraxinus angustifolia Seeds | Narrow-leaved Ash
LATIN NAME: Fraxinus angustifolia
COMMON NAME: Narrow-Leaved Ash
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Narrow-Leaved Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) stands out as a handsome, upright, tall, deciduous tree in the olive family, native to moist, open places of the southern Europe and surrounding regions, while it is treasured for its fine, narrow, feathery foliage. In olive family it is feathery, narrow-leaved ash of warm south, a tree whose light, airy crown and tough wood have served region for generations. Given room and time, it reaches roughly Thirty metres. Each of these traits is modest on its own; together they make a garden-worthy plant.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the olive family regularly include Fraxinus angustifolia in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. Narrow-leaved ash appears in tree papers of the southern Europe, and botanists have mapped its place in olive family and regional flora. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Narrow-Leaved Ash earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. In avenue and park, narrow-leaved ash is feathery tree of open ground. Its flowers feed insects, its winged fruits feed birds, and narrow, leafy crown gives a light, airy shade. Hard, tough wood has served fine building and tools of region, and tree grows well in moist, well-drained ground of open, sunny spot. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Ash bark is a classical Chinese herb, Qin Pi, for intestinal heat, and its coumarins fraxin and esculetin are studied for anti-inflammatory activity; the trees also gave baseball its bats and folklore its world tree.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Narrow-Leaved Ash, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray bright light. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
It grows as a handsome, upright, tall, deciduous tree, so its place in the garden is easy to plan. Attention to moisture in the first weeks pays off; later, the plant is forgiving.
Related Reading
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