Fraxinus uhdei

Fraxinus uhdei is considered to be a large tree. Under optimal conditions it will reach a height of about 25 meters. Fraxinus uhdei is characterized by an oval to round crown and a broad canopy. When young, the tree trunk is green and smooth, and, as it matures, the trunk turns grayish and develops grooves. Fraxinus uhdei is considered to be semi-deciduous. In many parts of Israel, its leave change color almost completely, and this tendency increases as the tree matures. Some even present a spectacular fall color show ranging from yellow to orange, but in most parts of the country, this will be for a short time. The length of time it sheds its leaves obviously depends on the weather and the microclimate of the area where it grows: the colder the winter in its area, the earlier its leaves will change color and the greater the chances of showing the impressive autumnal colors. In areas where the winter months are warmer, the shedding period will be shorter and will sometimes even occur at the same time as the tree flowers and its new leaves come in. This is apparently how it earned its Hebrew misnomer: the “evergreen ash.” Fraxinus uhdei, just like its sibling Fraxinus syriaca, proclaims the end of the rainy season and is one of the first to “awake” from winter slumber and start to blossom. At the end of January and beginning of February, its green flowering begins, which have no horticultural importance, and immediately afterward, the leaves begin to grow. Ash trees are dioecious (separate male and female trees). Male trees present a full and uniform foliage appearance throughout most of the year (until fall), and in contrast, female trees present a varied and uneven display, from individuals with little fruit to those loaded with fruit. In its early years, the tree is more sensitive to sunshine and prolonged frosts. Once established, the tree will be resistant to the relatively extreme weather conditions found in Israel. The ash will thrive in heavy soils. Auxiliary watering will help achieve richer, longer and more vital greenery. Due to the genetic diversity in ash trees, it is highly recommended to plant ‘outstanding’ cultivars: those that have been professionally identified and carefully selected. These will give a uniform look and show the preferred features of the complex cultivar. Two such cultivars are the ‘Perfect Ball’ and ‘Full Moon,’ which are ‘outstanding’ and can be found in our list of complex trees in the nursery.

Fraxinus uhdei is a common street tree in Israel, and by choosing suitable cultivars with wide branch angles, together with proper design and pruning, it can be an ideal street tree. It is, of course, strongly recommended for wide boulevards and parks due to its broad canopy and the shade it provides. Its thick, wide canopy requires proper designing when young and professional treatment and pruning in its maturity. Most Fraxinus uhdei trees are characterized by acute branch angles and many branches close to each other, on the central frame of the tree. These facts increase the risk level of the tree and may lead to breaks in the future. Proper designing of the tree is vital due to the fact that this is a physically large tree.

Additional trees from the same family:
Fraxinus uhdei | Fraxinus uhdei ‘Nova’ | Fraxinus uhdei ‘Full Moon’ | Fraxinus uhdei ‘Apollo’ | Fraxinus syriaca | Fraxinus syriaca ‘Gan haVradim’| Fraxinus Syriaca ‘Inbali’ | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | Fraxinus pennsylvanica ‘Sunrise’ | Fraxinus angustifolia ssp. oxycarpa ‘Raywood’