Fraxinus angustifolia aka Narrow Leaved Ash

Fraxinus angustifolia is the narrow-leaved ash, a deciduous tree. It belongs to the olive family, Oleaceae. Its native range spans central and southern Europe into Asia. It reaches central Israel and Pakistan, and includes northwest Africa. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows in temperate regions. In Turkey, it grows on fairly dry, rocky ground. Its habitats include scrub, pine woods, and mixed forests.

This fast-growing tree forms a broad, spreading crown. Virginia Tech describes its crown as upright and broadly oval. RHS gives a height of about 82 feet [25 metres]. Virginia Tech gives a similar maximum of 80 feet [24.4 metres]. RHS places its spread above 26 feet [8 metres]. The tree can take 20–50 years to reach maturity. Young bark is smooth and brown. Older bark turns grey and develops deep, fine cracks. The stout twigs are light grey-brown, with large brown buds.

Each leaf has seven to thirteen slim, lance-shaped leaflets. The leaves are dark green with a glossy surface. They turn golden yellow in autumn before they fall. Their narrow leaflets give the crown a fine texture. Small greenish flowers draw little notice. Winged fruits follow and hang in clusters from the branches. Each fruit is a samara with one papery wing. These straight fruits can twist as they develop. They start pale green and turn brown in late summer. RHS also notes the winged fruits in autumn.

Grow this ash in full sun and fertile soil. RHS recommends neutral to alkaline soil with good drainage. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Moist soil suits it, provided excess water can drain away. RHS rates its winter hardiness as H5 in UK conditions. It suits woodland gardens and coastal gardens. Its broad crown and autumn leaves provide its main garden interest. RHS also lists it for gardens needing little upkeep. Growers can raise new trees from seed or use grafting.

RHS reports few pest problems, but disease remains a concern. Ash dieback can affect ash trees in Britain. This species may also suffer from honey fungus. Plants for a Future reports fruit use as a condiment. It gives the plant a low edible-use rating. That source lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. This does not establish safety for every use or animal.