Fraxinus angustifolia aka Narrow Leaved Ash

Taxonomy

Fraxinus angustifolia, also known as narrow-leaved or narrow-leafed ash, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to central and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. It can grow up to 20-30m tall with a trunk up to 1.5m in diameter. The bark is initially smooth and pale grey on younger trees, but becomes square-cracked and knobbly on older trees. The buds are pale brown, which makes it easily distinguishable from its related species Fraxinus excelsior even in winter. The leaves are in opposite pairs or whorls of three, pinnate, 15-25cm long, with 3-13 leaflets that are distinctively slender, 3-8cm long and 1-1.5cm broad. The flowers, which appear in early spring, are produced in inflorescences that can be male, hermaphrodite or mixed male and hermaphrodite. The fruit is a samara 3-4cm long, with a pale brown wing 1.5-2cm long. Fraxinus angustifolia is invasive in the southern United States. Desert Ash, which belongs to the Fraxinus genus, is a super rare houseplant native to Europe and Northwestern Africa. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. In terms of soil, Desert Ash likes well-draining soil and repotting each time it doubles in size is sufficient without requiring added fertilizers. It needs regular watering to thrive.

Common names

Narrow Leaved Ash, Desert Ash

How to care for Narrow Leaved Ash

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Narrow Leaved Ash due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Narrow Leaved Ash should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Narrow Leaved Ash loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Narrow Leaved Ash thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Narrow Leaved Ash.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Narrow Leaved Ash is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Narrow Leaved Ash’s native range is S. Europe, N. Africa, W. Asia,.


More info:
Wikipedia