Botanical Name: Fraxinus latifolia
Family: Oleaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Genus: Fraxinus
Spasis: Latifolia
Synonyms:Fraxinus oregona.
Common Names: Oregon Ash
Habitat: Fraxinus latifolia is native to western Canada and the Pacific coast of the U.S.A(Western N. America – Washington to California.) It grows on deep, fertile, usually moist soils in the neighbourhood of streams near the coast.
Description:
Fraxinus latifolia is a deciduous Tree.Latifolia means “wide leaves” and Oregan ash has wider leaves than most ash trees. This tree grows 65-80 feet and can be very long-lived, up to 250 years. It grows fast as a young tree but slows down with maturity. The crown is broad and rounded in uncrowded conditions.
It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.Being dioecious, it needs both male and female trees to produce seeds.
Detailed description is given below:
Stem Color: Brown/Copper
Stem Is Aromatic: No
Stem Surface: Hairy (pubescent)
Stem Description: Twigs are opposite and stout with opposing buds and wooly hairs
Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics: Deciduous
Leaf Color:Gold/Yellow, Green
Leaf Feel: Smooth
Deciduous Leaf Fall Color: Gold/Yellow
Leaf Type: Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Leaf Shape: Oblong, Ovate
Leaf Margin: Entire, Serrate
Hairs Present: No
Leaf Length: 3-6 inches
Leaf Width: 1-3 inches
Leaf Description: Odd pinnately compound yellow-green leaves with 5-7 leaflets. Each leaflet is 2-4.75 by 1-3 inches with a rounded base and pointed tip. The margin is serrate to entire. The end leaflet is wider, less serrated and often convex which helps to differentiate it from other ash trees.
Flower Color: Brown/Copper,Gold/Yellow
Flower Inflorescence: Insignificant
Flower Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Description: Insignificant male and female inflorescences are borne in clusters on separate trees.
Fruits:
Fruit Color: Brown/Copper
Display/Harvest Time: Fall
Fruit Type: Samara
Fruit Length: 1-3 inches
Fruit Width: < 1 inch
Fruit Description: Female trees produce winged samara with a single seed and single wing in hanging clusters. They are 1- 2 inches long
Cultivation:
Prefers a deep loamy soil, even if it is on the heavy side. Most members of this genus are gross feeders and require a rich soil. Plants succeed when growing in exposed positions and also in alkaline soils. They tolerate atmospheric pollution. A fast growing tree for its first 75 years in the wild, it then grows slowly reaching a maximum age of 250 years. This species is closely related to F. pennsylvanica. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation:
The seed is best harvested green – as soon as it is fully developed but before it has fully dried on the tree – and can then be sown immediately in a cold frame. It usually germinates in the spring. Stored seed requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions or a nursery bed in late spring or early summer of the following year. If you have sufficient seed then it is possible to sow it directly into an outdoor seedbed, preferably in the autumn. Grow the seedlings on in the seedbed for 2 years before transplanting either to their permanent positions or to nursery beds.
Medicinal Uses:
The pulverised fresh roots were used by some native North American Indian tribes to treat serious wounds. A cold infusion of the twigs has been used to treat fevers. The bark is anthelmintic
Other Uses:
A fairly wind resistant tree, it can be grown as part of a shelterbelt planting. Wood – hard, brittle, light, coarse grained. A valuable timber tree, it is largely used for making furniture, the interiors of buildings, cooperage etc, and as a fuel.
Seeds are eaten by songbirds, squirrels, and waterfowl. Deer and elk will graze its foliage and sprouts. It also provides food to some butterfly larvae.
Play Value: Wildlife Cover/Habitat, Wildlife Food Source, Wildlife Larval Host
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Fraxinus+latifolia
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/fraxinus-latifolia/
