Golden Ash Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea'
ABOUT
The plant known as the common ash showcases notable features that distinguish the 'Jaspidea' variety. It is characterized by its striking foliage, with leaves showing off a bright, golden hue that brings a touch of luminosity to the landscape. During the spring, the leaves emerge with a vivid yellow color that gradually matures to a deeper, yet still bright, shade. This golden coloring provides a stark contrast to the more typical green of other plants and makes the 'Jaspidea' a sought-after specimen for visual interest. The leaves themselves are compound, comprising multiple leaflets arranged in pairs along a central stem, with a final leaflet at the tip, creating a feather-like pattern, also known as pinnate arrangement. As the seasons progress, the foliage can take on a more muted yellow, and in the fall, it may develop tones of soft yellow to hinting almost towards orange, before shedding as winter approaches. The bark of this plant is another of its defining characteristics, with a grey to greenish-grey tone that can appear furrowed or ridged, providing textural interest, especially during the dormant months where the leaves are absent. During the bloom season, small purple flowers may emerge before the foliage fully expands, often going unnoticed due to their size but nonetheless adding to the overall beauty of the plant in early spring. These flowers give way to winged fruits later in the year, which are typically grouped together and can persist into the winter, offering additional ornamental value and interest to the winter landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Oleaceae
Synonyms
Golden Ash, Jasper Ash
Common names
Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea' is the common ash tree. The common ash tree is not generally considered toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of parts of the common ash tree normally does not lead to poisoning or adverse health effects. However, like many plants, individual allergies or sensitivities may occur, so it is advisable to avoid ingesting parts of plants not commonly recognized as food.
To pets
The common name for Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea' is the common ash tree. The common ash tree is not commonly regarded as toxic to pets. Consequently, normal exposure to the common ash tree doesn't typically result in poisoning or serious health issues for pets. Nonetheless, it's wise to prevent pets from ingesting plant material that is not meant for consumption, since individual animals might have unique sensitivities or reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
50 feet (15 meters)
Spread
30 feet (9 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea', commonly known as the European Ash, is aesthetically pleasing due to its bright yellow foliage, which adds color and ornamental value to landscapes.
- Shade Provider: The tree's ample canopy offers a significant amount of shade, making it useful in parks and large gardens to create comfortable, shaded areas.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and insects, thus contributing to biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: European Ash has an extensive root system that can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain environments.
- Timber Production: The wood of Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea' is valued for its strength and elasticity, making it suitable for furniture, flooring, and tool handles.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking and Craftsmanship: The wood of the Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea', also known as the Common Ash, is highly valued for its strength and elasticity, making it suitable for fine furniture, musical instruments, and detailed wood carvings.
- Environmental Indicator: The presence of the Common Ash can be an indicator of calcareous soil, which is rich in calcium carbonate, often offering insight into the soil conditions of an area.
- Fishing Rods: Common Ash wood is traditionally used to make fishing rods due to its flexibility and durability, allowing for a more nuanced and controlled fishing experience.
- Wildlife Support: The tree provides habitat, nesting sites, and food for various birds and insects, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Sporting Equipment: Thanks to its shock-resistant properties, Common Ash wood is used for making sports equipment such as hockey sticks, oars, and cricket stumps.
- Snail Control: Ash leaves are sometimes used as a natural control method for snails and slugs in gardens, as these pests tend to avoid the leaves.
- Tool Handles: The resilience of Common Ash makes it ideal for manufacturing handles for tools like axes, hammers, and spades, providing a reliable grip and reducing breakage.
- Vehicle Frames: Historically, the Common Ash was used in the construction of vehicle frames for cars and carriages, notably for its capacity to absorb shocks and stress.
- Landscaping: Due to its attractive golden-yellow foliage, Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea' is often used in landscape design to create visually striking scenes during the fall season.
- Soil Improvement: Fallen leaves from the Common Ash can be left to decompose naturally, contributing to soil health and structure as they return nutrients to the earth.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAsh tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAsh tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength: Fraxinus excelsior, commonly known as the European ash, is often seen as a symbol of strength and durability, given the wood's impressive resilience and flexibility.
- Protection: Due to its robust nature and historical use in crafting weapons and tools, European ash is also associated with protection.
- Healing: In various cultures, the European ash is thought to have medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and wellbeing.
- Wisdom: Ash trees are frequently associated with wisdom, possibly due to their long lifespan and their presence in mythologies as a tree of knowledge.
- New Beginnings: Due to its propensity for strong growth and regeneration, European ash can symbolize renewal and the start of new endeavors.
WaterThe Golden Ash should be watered deeply to ensure the root zone is thoroughly moistened, which typically means providing 1-2 inches of water weekly during the growing season. During hot and dry periods, increasing the frequency to twice a week may be necessary. Make sure not to overwater, as standing water or soggy soil can lead to root rot. In the winter months, reduce watering significantly but do not allow the soil to become completely dry. It is best to use a hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base of the tree, rather than using a sprinkler system which can lead to water wastage and uneven distribution.
LightGolden Ash trees thrive in full sun conditions, meaning they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and foliage density. Place the tree in an open area where it can receive plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day, avoiding shaded areas that are surrounded by taller buildings or other trees that could block sunlight.
TemperatureGolden Ash trees are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, generally flourishing in areas where the temperature stays within the range of -30 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive short spells outside of these parameters but prolonged exposure to temperatures below the minimum or above the maximum can be harmful. Ideal growing temperatures for Golden Ash trees are between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune the Golden Ash tree to remove damaged or diseased branches, to shape the tree, or to remove any branches that may pose a safety hazard. The best time to prune is late winter to early spring before new growth begins, when the tree is dormant. Pruning once a year is typically sufficient, but inspect the tree seasonally for any immediate pruning needs due to damage or health concerns.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea') prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix containing loam, compost, and sand is suitable to provide proper drainage and the essential nutrients the tree needs to thrive.
RepottingEuropean Ash trees, being large and primarily outdoor trees, do not require frequent repotting. Young trees can be repotted every 2-3 years, but mature trees typically don't need repotting and are better off planted in the ground.
Humidity & MistingEuropean Ash trees are adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels, but they generally prefer moderate ambient humidity. They do not require specific humidity conditions as they can thrive in the varying outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing European Ash indoors is not advisable; they are large trees.
Outdoor
Plant European Ash in full sun, well-drained soil, space for growth.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleFraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea', commonly known as the Golden Ash, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification, germinates in the spring. The seedling stage follows, where roots, shoots, and first leaves develop, and the plant establishes itself in the soil. As the sapling grows, it undergoes a juvenile phase characterized by rapid growth and the development of a strong stem and branches. Once mature, the Golden Ash enters its reproductive phase, producing distinctive purplish flowers that are typically wind-pollinated, followed by the release of winged fruits known as samaras. Over many years, the tree reaches its full size and may produce flowers and seeds annually. The final stage in its life cycle is senescence, where growth slows and the tree may become more susceptible to pests and diseases, eventually leading to its death.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The European ash or Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea' is propagated most commonly through seed, as this is the natural method the tree employs to reproduce. The best time to collect seeds is in late autumn when they ripen on the tree and can be harvested once they have turned brown. Seeds require a period of cold stratification to overcome dormancy; this mimics the natural process of winter and prepares the seed for germination. To achieve this, the seeds can be mixed with slightly moist sand and stored in a refrigerator at 34-41 degrees Fahrenheit (1-5 degrees Celsius) for 1-2 months before sowing. Sowing should be carried out in the spring, after the last frost, in well-drained soil and under conditions that provide moderate sunlight and protection from extreme elements. Seedlings typically emerge after 2-6 weeks and can eventually be transplanted to their permanent location in the landscape after they've grown sufficiently to handle the stresses of their new environment.
