Species blue ash
lime-green foliage and green-brown stems

blue ash

Fraxinus quadrangulata

Blue Ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) is an amazing tree species native to the Midwest U.S. It typically reaches a height of 70ft with a wide, spreading canopy. Its bark is smooth and light gray, and its leaves are compound with segments of four to eight leaflets and have a rounded tip. This species is notable for its stunning deep emerald green leaf color in summer which turns to a striking yellow and purple color in autumn. Blue Ash is an excellent shade tree, growing well in areas with full sunlight and is known to be drought-tolerant. It is also a great wildlife attractant, providing food and shelter for native birds, squirrels, and small mammals. Its wood is strong and heavy, making it a wonderful choice for firewood and furniture. Blue Ash is truly an amazing tree.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) should be watered regularly during the summer months. During the first 2 weeks while the tree is establishing, provide supplemental water if your region has less than an inch of rainfall per week. After those 2 weeks, water when the soil is dry to the touch, approximately once or twice per week depending on the temperature. During hot summer days, water may also be needed more frequently. Make sure to saturate the soil when you water to ensure that the root system is receiving enough moisture.

sunlight

Blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) requires a full sun exposure, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This species is tolerant of partial sun exposures as well, so partial sun locations (at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day) can also work. In temperate regions where summer temperatures reach 90-95°F, some afternoon shade may be beneficial. In northern climates, blue ash appreciates sun during the winter to help it remain evergreen.

pruning

Blue Ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) should be pruned from late winter to early spring, before it begins to leaf out. Pruning should be light and selective, and limited to removal of dead or diseased branches. Overpruning can reduce leaf size and canopy coverage. For overall health and shape control, remove any cross-branches or downward-directed branches, as well as any branches that rub against each other. Overall, aim for a balanced structure of healthy, strong branches.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Blue ash typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map