Fraxinus ornus

Ashes are common trees of our climate. But not every one looks as pretty as this manna ash. It comes from South Europe and SW Asia and offers both attractive foliage and flowers.

Manna ash is a small to mid-sized tree with a rounded crown that needn’t be pruned to look nice. Its deciduous leaves are pinnate, mid green, 15-30 cm long, turning red and purple-red in autumn. Inflorescence are rich, up to 12 cm long dense panicles composed of small, linear, creamy white flowers that are sweetly scented. They come out from the first hot days of end spring until early summer and look similar to the flowers of fringe tree. Female plants produce attractive samaras (fruit) in late summer.

It makes rather extensive root system with shallow roots so avoid planting it near walls and concrete fences as well as very near to pavements. Pruning, if needed, can be done at the end of winter. Ashes are quite soil tolerant provided the soil is well drained. For best results, however, grow it in rich, neutral to alkaline soil, constantly moist soil. Fully hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5),

Last update 27-02-2010