Ash
Fraxinus excelsiorfam. Oleaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 1539 — Fraxinus excelsior
Fraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsiorFraxinus excelsior
IOverview
Overview
Ash, scientifically known as Fraxinus excelsior, is a large tree native to Europe and parts of Asia, including Austria, the Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and other regions listed in its native range. This deciduous tree is well-known for its edible seeds, which can be enjoyed when ripe. Ash thrives in moist, wet conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types, showing a preference for a pH of 7–7.5. It grows to an impressive height of 30 meters and is characterized by its distinctive compound leaves with opposite leaflets, which are easily recognizable features in the landscape.
Quick answers
What is Ash?
Ash, scientifically known as Fraxinus excelsior, is a large tree native to Europe and parts of Asia, including Austria, the Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and other regions listed in its native range. This deciduous tree is well-known for its edible seeds, which can be enjoyed when ripe.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Ash trees thrive in moist to wet soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). They prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 7 and 7.5. Hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 5-8, ash can grow up to 30 meters tall. For propagation, seeds are the recommended method. Ensure the tree receives adequate light; it tolerates both full sun and partial shade. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-8
Habit
Tree
Mature size
30.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Ash for the first time
8steps
Start with planting an Ash tree to experience the basics of growing a deciduous tree.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Ash sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or enough space in your garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the Ash in spring or autumn when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. For containers, use a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7-7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the young sapling into your prepared container or garden spot, ensuring it has enough space to grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular watering during dry periods, and not providing enough space for the tree to grow.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Manna, Oil, Tea
Other uses:DyeFire starteroilWind breakerWeaving materialTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe19 regions
native (19)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)IranTurkey
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Baltic States, Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
4 related
See also
4 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Oleaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Oleaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1539f8f8-5e1c-4134-b61a-6628de3bc06c
Decision aid
Choosing between Ash and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.