Mediterranean Ash (or Syrian Ash)
Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. syriaca · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Oleaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Subspecies syriaca (Syrian Ash)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6-9; exhibits high heat tolerance and moderate cold resistance.
About This Tree
A medium to large tree with an upright, often rounded crown. It is known for its graceful appearance and relatively fast growth. In youth, it is slender, becoming more broad and stately with age.
Leaf Characteristics
Opposite or whorled (often in groups of 3) arrangement. Pinnately compound leaves consisting of 5-13 leaflets. Leaflets are narrowband-lanceolate to ovate, dark green, with serrated margins and a smooth texture.
Bark Characteristics
On young trees, the bark is smooth and grey-green; as the tree matures, it becomes deeply furrowed with a corky, grey-brown texture forming a diamond-shaped pattern.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and Western Asia. Adapts well to urban environments and riparian corridors.
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring; flowers appear before leaves in late winter/early spring; fruits ripen in summer and disperse in autumn; dormant in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers Full Sun but tolerates Partial Shade. Requires regular moisture during establishment but possesses high drought tolerance once mature. Prefers well-drained, alkaline to neutral soils.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) in height with a spread of 30-40 feet. Moderate to fast growth rate. Lifespan of 60-100+ years.
Special Characteristics
Strong wood; distinctive whorled leaf arrangement in the syriaca subspecies; provides excellent shade; highly tolerant of urban pollution and salt spray.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for birds; wind-pollinated flowers; the winged seeds (samaras) provide food for birds and rodents; larval host for various moth and butterfly species.