Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: velvet ash, arizona ash or modesto ash
  • Synonyms: Fraxinus pennsylvanica ssp. velutina, Fraxinus velutina var. coriacea, Fraxinus velutina var. glabra, Fraxinus velutina var. toumeyi
  • Family: Oleaceae (Olive)
  • Genus Information: 7 species in the US

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: tree
  • Shape: round
  • Size: 30 feet (10 m)
  • Stem: rough gray-brown and fissured bark

Leaves

  • Color: green
  • Shape: lanceolate
  • Edge: serrated edge
  • Arrangement: pinnately compound in groups of 3
  • Leaf Retention: deciduous

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: yellow
  • Flower Size:
  • Number of Petals:
  • Bloom: Apr, May
  • Fruit: samara

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use:
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: alkaline soils and fast-growing
  • Habitat: riparian and canyons with groundwater

Distribution

  • Distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX, UT
  • Seen: Ash Meadows
  • Elevation: to 6500 feet

Photographs

Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina)

Ash Meadows

Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina)

With samara fruit, Ash Meadows

Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina)

Flowers, Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina)

Flowers, Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve