Fraxinus chinensisChinese Ash

The Fraxinus chinensis, or Chinese Ash, is a deciduous shade tree of 10 to 20 metres with an open, evenly branched crown and pinnate foliage that turns clear yellow before it falls. It has been planted along Chinese streets and canals for centuries and tolerates the compacted, alkaline soils that city planting usually offers.

Its value in a scheme is straightforward: summer canopy where it is wanted, winter light where it is needed, and a root system that behaves near paving.

Specifications

• Height10 to 20 metres, occasionally to 25 metres
• Width8 to 12 metres
• Native toChina, Korea and adjacent East Asia
• FoliagePinnate leaves with five to nine mid-green leaflets, turning yellow in autumn; deciduous
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilPrefers deep, moist, well-drained soils; tolerates compacted and alkaline ground
• LightFull sun
• WaterModerate; tolerates short dry periods once established
• ClimateThrives in temperate and warm temperate regions and is frost hardy

Additional Features

• UsesStreet and avenue planting, car parks, urban squares, park canopy and boulevard rows
• SpacingPlant 8 to 10 metres apart for avenue and street work
• Low MaintenanceFormative pruning to establish a clear trunk; little attention thereafter
• Pest ResistanceGenerally resilient; inspect stock for borer damage as with all ash
• FormOpen, evenly branched, upright-spreading crown that lifts cleanly over footpaths
• Seasonal AppealClear yellow autumn colour and an open winter branch structure

The Chinese Ash is a straightforward deciduous street tree, chosen where summer shade and winter light both matter.