Fraxinus ornus,
commonly called flowering ash, produces a spectacular display of fragrant
creamy white flowers in May. It is native to southern Europe and western Asia.
This is a rounded, deciduous tree that grows to 40-50’ tall with a relatively
short trunk featuring smooth, gray bark. Perfect, fragrant, creamy white
flowers appear in axillary and terminal panicles (to 5” long) in May. Flowers
give way to clusters of winged seeds (to 2” long) that ripen in fall and may
persist on the tree throughout winter. Odd-pinnate compound leaves (5-8” long)
have 5-9 leaflets. Leaflets (2-3” long) are ovate to oblong, toothed and dark
green above. Fall color is yellow-burgundy to red-purple. Also commonly called
manna ash. This tree is commercially grown for manna which is a sweet, gummy
sap taken from the stems. Hardy in zones 6-9.
Growing
Instructions
The seeds have
a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for
spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions
and to break their dormancy at any time of the year.
1. Place the
seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for three
months.
2. Fill a pot
with potting soil.
3. Sow the
seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water the
container and leave it to drain.
5. Put the pot
in a warm, sunny area.
6. Water the
pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.
7. The
seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.
Zane (verified owner) –
Great germination.
John (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Bryan (verified owner) –
Very healthy seeds! Well worth it.
Daniel (verified owner) –
Awesome product and company
Dylan (verified owner) –
Great germination.