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Fraxinus profunda

pumpkin ash

A large tree, potentially to 30m though usually less in cultivation. It has downy young shoots and large, mid-green leaves up to 40cm long with up to nine, stalked leaflets and producing bronze to purple-red shades in autumn. Inconspicuous purple-green flowers in spring are followed by bunches of large, green then brown ash keys on female trees

Synonyms
Fraxinus tomentosa
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green Bronze Red Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Oleaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Fraxinus are medium-sized to large, mostly deciduous trees with attractive pinnate leaves, sometimes conspicuous flowers and autumn colour, and distinctive winged fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C & E USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Requires a lot of space, and permanently moist soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Ash dieback has recently been found in the UK. Restrictions have been put in place (from 29 October 2012) regarding both the importation of ash from abroad and the movement of ash within the UK. May also be susceptible to honey fungus

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