1. California Ash – Fraxinus dipetala
(FRAX-in-us di-PET-al-a)
Family: Oleaceae (Olive Family)
Native to: Southwestern U.S. from Utah & Arizona to Baja; in CA, coastal mountain ranges from N.
CA to Baja, Catalina Isl. and San Gabriels. Usually an upland plant of canyons/slopes in chaparral,
riparian and woodland habitats to 4,500 feet elevation. May also grow along stream banks.
Growth characteristics: large woody shrub/tree
mature height: 6-20 ft. mature width: 10-20 ft.
Large shrub to small tree, most commonly with a single upright stem. Compound leaves with many
small leaflets that are dark green on top, lighter below. Open habit, somewhat reminiscent of an
apple tree. Winter deciduous. Rapid growth when young.
Blooms April-May, sometimes earlier. Flowers are creamy-white, fragrant, in dense
hanging clusters. Very showy in bloom. Seeds, which are broad, straight-winged samarae, 1 inch
long, ripen in summer.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: In any situation where a small tree is needed, including as a yard or street tree.
Does fine with some summer water so appropriate for watered lawn areas.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Ashes; other non-native ornamental trees.
Excellent bird habitat: provides cover & nesting sites.
Flowers attract pollinators
including native bees and butterflies. Larval food for Western Tiger & Pale Swallowtail butterflies.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
Best in clay soils; ok in most local soils.
Best with a little summer water (Zone 2-3 optimal); can take winter flooding.
Not required, but light fertilizer or organic mulch OK.
Management:
Usually quite hardy, with few serious pests. Prune only to remove dead wood.
Propagation: from seed: yes, stratify 3 months
by cuttings: hardwood, in dormant period.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6, 13, 14
6/25/08
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