Fraxinus latifolia

Common Names

Oregon Ash

Summary

Fraxinus latifolia, commonly known as Oregon Ash, is a deciduous tree native to the Pacific Northwest. It typically grows 60–80 ft tall and about 50 ft wide, with an upright to broad crown. Leaves are opposite and pinnately compound with 5–7 leaflets; leaflets are oval to oblong, green above and paler beneath, turning yellow in autumn. Flowers are inconspicuous greenish, produced on separate trees in spring, followed by winged samaras 1¼–2 inches long in dense clusters. The bark is gray-brown and furrowed, and the tree tolerates moist, damp bottomlands and riparian zones, withstanding seasonally wet soils and occasional inundation. Fruits are winged samaras dispersed by wind.

It grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, tolerating standing winter water and wet conditions. Native to western North America from British Columbia through Oregon and Washington to California, it commonly occurs in wetlands and along streams. Propagation is by seed collected in fall and stratified over winter, or vegetatively by stump sprouts. In landscapes, Oregon Ash is used for riparian restoration, erosion control, and as an ornamental or street tree; the wood is strong and workable and used for fuel and various wood products. Wildlife value includes seeds eaten by birds and small mammals, while pest pressures include emerald ash borer and leaf spot, powdery mildew, and heart rot in older trees.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

60-80 feet

Spread

20-40 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6a-8b

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Humus-rich, moist to wet bottomland soils, often poorly drained (deep silty clay loams and clays).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

5-7, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring (March–May)

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Other

Growth Rate

Fast growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Softwood cuttings, Sprouts from stumps

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds and butterflies