Fraxinus excelsior ASH TREE (10 seeds)

Ash tree, a member of the Oleaceae family, is a common feature of European forests. This European variety produces a light-colored, hard, and highly elastic wood. It reaches about 10 meters in height at maturity.

Its foliage consists of pinnately compound leaves, generally featuring 7 to 11 oval leaflets with finely toothed edges. In summer, the leaves are a bright, dense, and glossy green.

Flowers appear in spring, often before the foliage has fully developed. They are small, greenish to yellowish flowers clustered in dense groups called panicles.

Its fruits are winged samaras, elongated and light brown when mature. They hang in clusters and are dispersed by the wind, facilitating the spread of the species.

Ash seeds from Fraxinus excelsior are brown, flat, and long, measuring 1 centimeter in length, and are found within the achene of the fruit.

Its wood is highly sought after for making tool handles due to its resistance to bending and shock. It is also an excellent firewood.

- Uses:

The Common Ash is highly valued for its many uses. Its light but strong wood is primarily used in cabinetmaking, furniture manufacturing, and joinery because of its wear resistance and beautiful light color.

As an ornamental tree, it is planted in parks and gardens for its dense foliage and rapid growth. It is also sometimes used for bonsai creation.

The flexible branches of the ash are used to make brooms, tool handles, or walking sticks.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The best period to sow Fraxinus excelsior is during the months of November to February.
• The seeds must be stratified before germination, either naturally by leaving them outside during the winter period, or artificially by placing them in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Once stratification is complete, sow the seeds head-down in separate pots under 1 centimeter of fine potting soil.
• Water the culture gently.
• Place it in a lukewarm spot at a temperature close to 20 to 25°C.
• Germination will generally begin between 2 and 8 weeks after stratification.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

The Common Ash prefers deep, cool, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It tolerates a variety of soils but thrives best in siliceous or clayey soils that are moderately acidic to neutral.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

This tree likes full sun or partial shade. Sunny exposure allows for vigorous growth and good foliage coloration.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

It is very hardy, withstanding temperatures down to -20°C or even lower, depending on conditions. It is adapted to temperate climates and resists winter cold well, making it an ideal tree for many European regions.

- Watering / Water Requirements:

The European Ash has a moderate to high need for water, especially during its early years or during prolonged droughts. It prefers soil that remains moist but without stagnant water. Regular watering is recommended to ensure healthy growth, particularly in summer.

- Multiplication:

The multiplication of Fraxinus excelsior is mainly done by seed or by cuttings. The method of semi-ripe wood cuttings or layering also allows the tree to be reproduced more quickly.

- Pests / Diseases:

The Ash can be attacked by various pests such as the ash leaf beetle or the bark beetle. Among diseases, it is susceptible to sooty mold, ash canker, and especially ash dieback caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.