Fraxinus latifolia Leaf (28/07/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Late spring
Soil: Damp, well drained
Eventual Height: 25m
Eventual Spread: 15m
Hardiness: 7a – 10a
Family: Oleaceae
Fraxinus latifolia is a fast growing medium size deciduous tree with a narrow crown. Its dark green leaves are opposite, odd pinnate, up to 35cm long and contain up to 9 leaflets. Each leaflet is ovate with entire margins, up to 10cm long and 4cm broad. Its branches. Its trunk may achieve a diameter of up to 80cm. Its bark is smooth and grey/ green when young, becoming furrowed and grey/ brown with age. Its green/ white dioecious flowers are small and borne in dense clusters. Its flowers are wind pollinated and are not self fertile. Its fruit is a sumara which is up to 5cm long.
Fraxinus latifolia (28/07/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Fraxinus latifolia, commonly known as the Oregon Ash, is native to the west cost region of the United States. In its native habitat it is commonly found in riparian habitats. Fraxinus latifolia is synonymous with Fraxinus oregona.
The etymological root of the binomial name Fraxinus is from the ancient Latin name for Fraxinus excelsior. Latifolia is derived from the Latin Latus meaning ‘broad’ and folium meaning ‘leaf’.
The landscape architect may find Fraxinus latifolia useful as a street tree due to its upright habit. This tree is tolerant of atmospheric pollution and maritime conditions.
Ecologically, F. latifolia seeds are eaten by birds and mammals.
F. latifolia prefers damp, deep, humus rich, poorly-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate dry soils.
Fraxinus latifolia Bark (28/07/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Fraxinus latifolia requires little maintenance.
