Little Leaf Ash

Little Leaf Ash

Fraxinus greggi
Characteristics
Category
Tree
Size
15′ x ’18
Flower Color
Early Spring
Flower Season
Early Spring
Exposure
Full Sun or Partial Shade
Water
Low, but needs more during heat
Growth Rate
Fast
Hardiness
15°F
Notes:

Description

The hardy evergreen is a multi-trunk tree that grows quickly to eighteen feet with a spread of twelve to fifteen feet. Its smooth, brownish-gray bark darkens as the tree matures. This tree produces bright green leaves that are small, thick, and leathery. Older foliage suddenly drops from the tree in late spring to make way for new, green leaves. Small, inconspicuous flowers appear in early spring, with male and female parts on separate flowers, but together on the same plant. After flowering, a small, winged fruit appears with dark, flat seeds. The pod clings to the tree for a long period of time. Use it as a patio tree, around pools, or in large containers or planters. It is also a great shade tree and privacy screen, and adds a nice touch of deep green color and a delicate, airy feel into the garden. Little leaf ash is native to western Texas, southern New Mexico, southern Arizona, and in Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Zacatecas, and Tamaulipas, Mexico, growing along washes and rocky slopes at elevations of 2,500 to 7,000 feet.

Maintenance

This tree likes well-draining soil and full sun or partial shade. It is drought-tolerant but prefers supplemental irrigation during the hottest months of the summer. It is hardy to about twelve to fifteen degrees Fahrenheit. Little leaf ash is a low-maintenance plant but requires some pruning and shaping to keep its multi-trunk form.

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