Fraxinus bungeana Seeds | Bunge’s Ash
LATIN NAME: Fraxinus bungeana
COMMON NAME: Bunge’s Ash
Plant Profile
Bunge’s Ash (Fraxinus bungeana) grows as a tree. The Bunge ash paints compact, rounded crown with small, pinnate leaves and dense clusters of small, white flowers in early spring, the whole tree carrying the neat, flowering look of the small ashes. Flowers open before leaves, each with long, white stamens, and small, winged fruits follow. Bark stays pale and smooth, and tree grows into neat, small tree of dry hills. The flowers pull in pollinating insects, which quietly widens its usefulness in the garden. Put simply, this is a rewarding species for anyone willing to give it a suitable spot.
Science & Biotechnology
Fraxinus bungeana sits in the Fraxinus group, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. In ash group, small-flowered species have their own corner in studies of flowering trees, and the Bunge ash appears in research on early spring bloom and dry-hill flora. Contemporary seed practice means a grower can raise it confidently with standard techniques.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Bunge’s Ash has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In dry garden, the Bunge ash flowers early and asks for little. White clusters open before leaves and draw bees, small, winged fruits feed birds through late summer, and neat, compact crown keeps clean, tidy structure. It stands dry, poor soils without the fuss. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
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
Raising Bunge’s Ash from seed is straightforward. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Bunge’s Ash repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Bunge’s Ash often pair it with these related subjects: