Fraxinus profunda aka Pumpkin Ash

Taxonomy

Fraxinus profunda, commonly known as the pumpkin ash, is a species of ash native to eastern North America. It has a scattered distribution on the Atlantic coastal plain and interior lowland river valleys, ranging from southern Maryland to Indiana, and southeast to northern Florida and southwest to southeastern Missouri and Louisiana. There are also localized populations in Essex County, Ontario, Canada. This large deciduous tree can reach heights of up to 60-80 feet, although it is usually smaller in cultivation. The young shoots are downy, and the mid-green leaves can grow up to 40cm long, consisting of up to nine stalked leaflets. In autumn, the leaves turn bronze to purple-red. The inconspicuous purple-green flowers bloom in spring, followed by clusters of large green and brown ash keys on female trees. The pumpkin ash is typically found in bottomland habitats such as swamps, floodplains, and riverbanks. It plays a vital role environmentally and economically. However, its population is threatened by the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that has caused extensive damage to ash trees in eastern North America.

Common names

Pumpkin Ash

How to care for Pumpkin Ash

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Pumpkin Ash is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

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

Soil

Pumpkin 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

Pumpkin 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 Pumpkin Ash.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Pumpkin Ash has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Pumpkin Ash grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia