Texas Ash
By Innovation Grounds
The Texas ash (scientific name: Fraxinus texensis) is a deciduous tree native to parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and surrounding areas. It’s a relatively small-to-medium-sized tree that belongs to the olive family (Oleaceae). Known for its attractive foliage and relatively easy maintenance, the Texas ash is often planted as a landscape tree.
1. General Description
- Common Name: Texas ash
- Scientific Name: Fraxinus texensis
- Family: Oleaceae (olive family)
- Native Range: Primarily Texas, with some distribution in Oklahoma and surrounding areas.
2. Size and Growth
- Height: Typically reaches 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters) tall, although it can grow taller in ideal conditions.
- Spread: Typically 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) wide.
- Growth Rate: Moderate; about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm) per year under optimal conditions.
- Shape: Typically has a pyramidal or rounded shape when young, with a more rounded crown as it matures.
3. Leaves and Foliage
- Leaf Type: Pinnately compound leaves.
- Leaflets: Usually 5 to 9 leaflets per leaf, each 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long.
- Fall Color: Leaves turn yellow or sometimes reddish-orange in the fall, providing an attractive seasonal display.
- Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous, meaning it sheds its leaves in the fall.
4. Flowers and Fruit
- Flowers: Small, inconspicuous flowers that appear in spring, typically before the leaves. They are either male or female, as Texas ash trees are dioecious (meaning each tree is either male or female).
- Fruit: The fruit is a small, winged seed (samara), similar to other ash trees. These are produced in clusters and mature in late summer or early fall.
- Pollination: Texas ash trees are wind-pollinated.
5. Bark
Appearance: The bark is light gray to brown and is relatively smooth when the tree is young. As the tree matures, the bark becomes more ridged and furrowed.
6. Root System
- Type: Generally, the Texas ash has a deep, taproot-like system when young, but it can develop a more fibrous root system as it matures.
- Roots and Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. It can tolerate some drought once established, though it does best with regular watering.
7. Hardiness and Climate
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6b to 9b.
- Temperature: It is adapted to the hot, dry climate of Texas, and can tolerate temperatures down to around 0°F (-18°C).
- Watering Needs: Drought-tolerant once established but does best with moderate watering in well-drained soil.
8. Pests and Diseases
- Ash Borer: Like many species of ash trees, the Texas ash is susceptible to the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), which has devastated ash populations in the U.S. Be vigilant for signs of infestation, such as thinning canopy or exit holes in the bark.
- Other Pests: Scale insects, aphids, and leaf miners may occasionally infest the tree.
- Diseases: Susceptible to various fungal diseases, including anthracnose and powdery mildew, although it is generally more resistant than other ash species.
9. Uses and Landscaping
- Landscaping: Texas ash is a popular choice for residential landscapes due to its attractive foliage and relatively low maintenance needs. It is commonly used as a shade tree, street tree, or specimen tree.
- Wood Uses: The wood of the Texas ash is strong and flexible, though it is not as commonly harvested as other types of ash (such as white ash) for lumber. However, it can be used for furniture, cabinetry, and tool handles.
10. Care and Maintenance
- Pruning: Texas ash trees benefit from regular pruning, especially to remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts.
- Watering: While drought-tolerant, newly planted Texas ash trees should be watered regularly until they become established. During dry periods, watering can help ensure better growth and vitality.
- Fertilization: It generally doesn’t require much fertilization, but if your soil is poor, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds. Be sure to keep mulch away from the trunk to avoid moisture buildup that can lead to rot.
11. Environmental and Ecological Considerations
- Wildlife: Texas ash provides habitat for various birds and small mammals. The seeds are a food source for birds, and the canopy provides nesting sites.
- Soil Erosion: The tree’s roots help prevent soil erosion, especially in areas prone to dry conditions.
- Fire Resistance: Generally considered fire-resistant due to its moderate to low resin content.
12. Varieties and Cultivars
While the species Fraxinus texensis is fairly uniform, there may be some local variations, particularly in its drought tolerance and growth form, depending on where it is found. However, cultivars specifically bred for ornamental use (e.g., smaller size, enhanced disease resistance) are less common than those for other types of ash trees.
13. Companion Plants
If you’re planning to plant the Texas ash in a garden or landscape, it pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants such as:
- Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis)
- Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana)
- Golden Currant (Ribes aureum)
- Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana)
Proud members of the Association of Landscape Professionals.
