Fraxinus excelsior (Common ash)

Botanical name

Fraxinus excelsior

Other names

Common ash, European ash

Genus

Fraxinus Fraxinus

Species

F. excelsior - F. excelsior is a large, deciduous tree with black buds, long, pinnate compound leaves and purple flowers. Female flowers develop into fruit.

Foliage

Deciduous

Tree shape

Erect, Open branched, Oval-headed

Colour

Flower

Dark-purple in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Yellow in Autumn

How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

General care

Propagation methods

Seed, Grafting

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Fraxinus excelsior (Common ash) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 12m after 20-50 years.

Suggested uses

Coastal, Foliage only, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Woodland

Cultivation

Plant in alkaline soil and full sun.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Fraxinus excelsior (Common ash)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Fraxinus excelsior (Common ash)

Common pest name

Ash yellows

Scientific pest name

Candidatus Phytoplasma fraxini

Type

Phytoplasma

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Pathogen causing phytoplasma disease of certain tree species in the Americas. EU regulation already provides some mitigation against the risk of introduction; but could be further strengthened.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Fraxinus excelsior (Common ash)

Common pest name

Asian longhorn beetle; Starry sky beetle

Scientific pest name

Anoplophora glabripennis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Recognised threat to a wide range of deciduous tress native to the UK. Already regulated it is a priority for continued surveillance and statutory action. The risk of entry is further mitigated by EU legislation requiring the monitoring of wooden packaging material originating from China.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/