Origin
Fraxinus campestris Britt., also known as the Poplar-leafed Ash, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family, Oleaceae. Its origin traces back to Southeastern Europe and Western Asia, where it grows abundantly in lowland forests, foothills, and open areas.
Common Names
Fraxinus campestris Britt. is commonly known by various names across different regions. In English, it is called Poplar-leafed Ash or simply Field Ash, while its French equivalent is Frêne Champêtre. Germans refer to it as Feldes Esche, while the Spanish name it Fresno Campestre, and the Italians name it Frassino Dei Campi.
Uses
Fraxinus campestris Britt. has several uses in medicine, construction, and horticulture. Its bark and leaves contain chemical compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and diuretic properties, making it ideal for pain relief, urination problems, and other related conditions. The wood from the Poplar-leafed Ash tree is strong, durable, and highly valued for making furniture, flooring, and sports equipment. The tree is also widely grown in gardens and parks for ornamental purposes, thanks to its attractive foliage, smooth gray bark, and round crown shape.
General Appearance
Fraxinus campestris Britt. is a medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows up to 20-25m tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 80cm. The tree has a straight stem and a pyramidal or rounded head that spreads widely. It has smooth gray bark that sometimes cracks into diamond-shaped patches as the tree ages. The leaves of the Poplar-leafed Ash are compound, opposite, and pinnate, measuring 10-15cm long. The leaflets are narrow-oblong or lance-shaped, pointed at the ends, and have a serrated margin. The leaves are green in summer, turning yellow or brown in autumn. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers in dense, elongated clusters that develop into winged fruits called samaras.
Light Requirements
Fraxinus campestris Britt. typically grows best in full sun exposure, although it can tolerate some shade. In shaded areas, the plant may grow taller and leaner in an effort to reach sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and can grow well in both warm and cold climates. However, it does not tolerate extreme heat or drought conditions well and may require additional watering during those times.
Soil Requirements
Fraxinus campestris Britt. grows best in well-draining, fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay. However, the plant may struggle in compacted or poorly draining soils.
The plant also prefers slightly moist soils but can tolerate short periods of drought. Regular watering is recommended during prolonged dry periods.
Cultivation methods for Fraxinus campestris Britt.
The Fraxinus campestris Britt, also known as the Populus nigra, grows well in full sun and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Plant the tree in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the tree. Place the tree in the hole and fill it with soil. Water it thoroughly to help settle the soil.
Watering needs for Fraxinus campestris Britt.
The Fraxinus campestris Britt requires regular watering to ensure that it grows healthy and strong. Water deeply once or twice a week during dry weather, making sure that the soil is moist throughout the root zone. Avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot and other problems.
Fertilization for Fraxinus campestris Britt.
You can fertilize your Fraxinus campestris Britt to encourage healthy growth and development. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is specifically designed for trees. Apply it in the early spring or late fall when the tree is not actively growing. Follow the instructions on the package for the application rate and method.
Pruning for Fraxinus campestris Britt.
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the health and appearance of your Fraxinus campestris Britt. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Make sure to use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the tree.
Propagation of Fraxinus campestris Britt.
Fraxinus campestris Britt., commonly known as the undissected or non-ash, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and parts of Western Asia. It is generally propagated by seed, but it can also be propagated through cuttings or grafting.
Propagation by Seed
Fraxinus campestris seeds are typically harvested in the fall when they are mature and begin to drop from the tree. The seeds must be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry location until spring. Stratification is recommended to break dormancy. Seeds can be stratified by placing them in a moist medium such as sand or peat moss and then storing them in a refrigerator for 60 to 90 days. Once the seeds have been stratified, they can be sown in containers or directly in the ground. The planting area should be moist, well-drained, and in full sun. Seedlings should emerge in 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Fraxinus campestris can also be propagated by hardwood cuttings taken during the dormant season. Cuttings should be taken from the previous year's growth and should be around 8-10 inches long. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium such as sand or perlite. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and misting them will help maintain humidity. Roots should emerge in around 6-8 weeks and the new trees should be transplanted after one year.
Propagation by Grafting
Fraxinus campestris can also be propagated by grafting branches onto seedling rootstocks of closely related species. Grafting is done during the dormant season and requires experience in order to do it properly. The scionwood should be taken from the previous year's growth, and the rootstock should be around the same diameter as the scionwood. The two pieces are then joined together and wrapped with grafting tape. The tree should be kept in a humid environment until the graft has fully healed, 2 to 3 months.
Disease Management
Fraxinus campestris Britt. is susceptible to various types of diseases such as:
- Chalara fraxinea: commonly known as ash dieback, it is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves and bark of the tree, eventually leading to death. Control measures include pruning affected branches, burning affected plant debris, and choosing resistant cultivars.
- Verticillium wilt: caused by a soil-borne fungus that can cause leaf wilting, defoliation, and ultimately death. Avoid planting in infested areas, use disease-free plants, and practice good sanitation by removing infected plant debris.
- Anthracnose: caused by a fungus that affects the leaves, causing irregular brown patches and defoliation. Control measures include pruning affected branches, choosing resistant cultivars, and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Fraxinus campestris Britt. can also be attacked by various types of pests, including:
- Emerald Ash Borer: a beetle that bores into the bark and disrupts the tree's water and nutrient transport system. Remove infested branches, use insecticides, and promote tree health through regular watering and fertilization.
- Ash flower gall: caused by a mite that creates galls or abnormal growths on the leaves and flowers. Prune affected branches, remove and destroy infected plant debris, and use insecticides if necessary.
- Ash bark beetle: a type of beetle that bores into the bark and creates tunnels that disrupt the tree's nutrient flow, eventually leading to death. Use insecticides and promote tree health through regular watering and fertilization.
