Fraxinus malacophylla Seeds | Softleaf Ash
LATIN NAME: Fraxinus malacophylla
COMMON NAME: Softleaf Ash
Plant Profile
Softleaf Ash (Fraxinus malacophylla) is a deciduous tree of the olive family (Oleaceae), native to southern China and mainland Southeast Asia. It is a medium-sized ash with pinnate leaves that are softly downy beneath — the source of its name — and the dangling clusters of single-winged samaras typical of the genus. It grows in mixed mountain forests and is occasionally planted for timber and shade in its native region.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Fraxinus malacophylla ranges from the botany of the Fraxinus group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Softly hairy foliage of softleaf ash gives it a recognised place in research on warm-climate ash trees of great ash group, and malacophylla species appears in studies of leaf-hair pigments and broad-leaved woodland growth. The practical point for growers is that this plant has been observed in gardens for so long that its behaviour holds few surprises.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Softleaf 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 warm, sunny ground, softleaf ash mists summer garden with soft, grey leaves. Foliage lights garden, keys feed birds, and timber serves furniture and tool handles. It thrives in deep, moist, well-drained, sunny ground. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.
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
Sow fresh seed of Softleaf Ash under ordinary good conditions. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Softleaf Ash settles in quickly once it finds its footing. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
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